Everyday Prophets – Zechariah
March 14, 2021
Israel has now returned from Babylonian exile and Zechariah is encouraging the people to rebuild the temple that’s been destroyed.
God had promised to restore Israel and bless them. At this point, those blessings were nowhere to be found. People were wondering when God would show up.
Zechariah reads a lot like the Book of Revelation with a series of dreams and visions. We hear of four horsemen on patrol, four horns and four blacksmiths.
There are three Movements in this book that are important to all of us.
Zechariah 3:3-5 NIV
“Now Joshua was dressed in filthy clothes as he stood before the angel. 4 The angel said to those who were standing before him, “Take off his filthy clothes.” Then he said to Joshua, “See, I have taken away your sin, and I will put fine garments on you.” 5 Then I said, “Put a clean turban on his head.” So they put a clean turban on his head and clothed him, while the angel of the LORD stood by.”
Luke 15:22-24 NIV
“But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.
Movement #1 - We’re worth more than we think.
Robe – We can come home barren.
Ring – We can come home broke.
Sandals – We can come home bruised.
Zechariah 4:6 NIV
So he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty.
Not by might or power …
We cannot manufacture outcomes.
We cannot manipulate outcomes.
But by my Spirit.
We have to trust the Holy Spirit for outcomes.
Many of us are trying to manipulate God to get more from Him, instead of just trusting Him with our worship.
Acts 1:4-5 NIV
On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”
Movement #2 - Waiting takes faith and God always responds to our faith.
Zechariah 7:8-10 NIV
And the word of the LORD came again to Zechariah: 9 “This is what the LORD Almighty said: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. 10 Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not plot evil against each other.’
Movement #3 - Every generation has the opportunity to be a witness.
Will we be this kind of people?
These are the people God blesses!
God’s reminding us of our worth, our waiting and our witness.
