God Speaks
The LORD’s Plans to Punish Enemies, Discipline and Restore His People; They Act Accordingly
Verse of the Day: This is what the LORD Almighty says: “Just as I had determined to bring disaster on you and showed no pity when your ancestors angered me,” says the LORD Almighty, “so now I have determined to do good again to Jerusalem and Judah. Do not be afraid. These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment in your courts; do not plot evil against each other, and do not love to swear falsely. I hate all this,” declares the LORD. (Zechariah 8:14-17 NIV 2011)
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We Respond
Reflection: Consider the following questions regarding Zechariah 5-9:
1. What does this chapter tell me about God?
2. What does this chapter tell me about the human beings He created?
Here is one possible answer to each of these questions. Ask the Holy Spirit if there are any others for you personally to ponder.
Zechariah 5
1. God has a plan for dealing with thieves and liars and the wickedness of the people.
2. People who steal and lie will be banished and have their property destroyed.
Zechariah 6
1. Here, God is foreshadowing the reign of the Messiah (Jesus) as both priest and king.
2. People will see God’s will accomplished if they will carefully obey all that the LORD God says.
Zechariah 7
1. God wants people to judge fairly, show mercy and kindness to one another, not to oppress the defenseless, or scheme against each other.
2. People generally stubbornly refuse to listen to God’s instructions; therefore, in His righteous anger, God refuses to listen to them.
Zechariah 8
1. Just as surely as God punished His people for their sins by scattering them around the globe, so just as surely, He will gather them back to their land and bless them with peace, safety, and freedom from fear.
2. People are to render just verdicts in court, to not scheme against each other, to stop telling lies claiming it is the truth, to quit doing the things God hates, and to seek out a believer in Yahweh to lead them to worship Him.
Zechariah 9
1. God will deal severely with places like Hamath, Tyre, Sidon, and Gaza for what they have done to His people.
2. People who are held as prisoners will be set free by God and be blessed by Him with peace, safety, and prosperity.
Prayer:
3. How might I pray regarding Zechariah 5-9?
O LORD God, Creator of all the earth, You do have a plan for dealing with thieves and liars and the wickedness of people. You sent Jesus, Your one and only Son, to die and rise again so that people who steal and lie will be not have to be banished from Your presence forever. Their ill-gotten property will be destroyed, but if they turn to You in repentant faith, You will receive them into Your dwelling place, Heaven, forever. In Zechariah 6, You foreshadowed the reign of the Messiah (Jesus) as both priest and king. O what a glorious time that will be. Even now people can see Your will accomplished if they will carefully obey all that You have said in the Bible or whispered in their own hearts. You gave us the Ten Commandments (and instructions in other scriptures) so that we will judge fairly, show mercy and kindness to one another, not oppress the defenseless, or scheme against each other. However, people generally stubbornly refuse to listen to Your instructions. Therefore, in Your righteous anger, You refuse to listen to them when they are in distress. Just as surely as You, LORD God, punished Your people for their sins by scattering them around the globe, so just as surely, You will gather them back to their land and bless them with peace, safety, and freedom from fear. People need the help of the indwelling Holy Spirit to render just verdicts in court, to not scheme against each other, to stop telling lies claiming it is the truth, to quit doing the things that You hate, and to seek out a believer in You (Yahweh, bless Your holy name) to lead them to worship You properly. You promise to deal severely with places like Hamath, Tyre, Sidon, and Gaza for what they have done to Your people. [I personally believe that what is happening in 2023AD is at least a partial fulfillment of that promise.] When Jesus comes to rule and reign on the earth, people who are being held as prisoners will be set free. LORD God, You will bless us with peace, safety, and prosperity in Jerusalem and around the world. We will praise Your name and bring You glory forever, LORD. AMEN
Action: (Ask God, the Holy Spirit, if He wants you to work on one of the suggestions below or something else more personal that He points out.)
4. What action does the LORD want me to take in response to Zechariah 5-9? With the help of God’s Holy Spirit:
- I will research things I hear or read to be sure that I am not believing and/or passing on lies.
- I will participate with my congregation in helping widows, orphans, foreigners, and the poor.
- I will do something specific to bless Jerusalem and the people of Judah (Jews).
- I will pray for the return of the Lord Jesus to fulfill the blood covenant mentioned in Zechariah 9:9-13.
Share: I plan to share what I’ve learned with __________.