The Day the King Comes: Living in the Light of Christ’s Return - Zechariah 14:1–9 (NLT)
Introduction
Imagine, for a moment, a world gripped by chaos—nations rising against each other, leaders scheming, cities crumbling under fear and conflict. This is not merely a headline from today’s newsfeed; it is the scenario Zechariah presents over 2,500 years ago. Yet, in the midst of this turmoil, God speaks of hope, victory, and the arrival of His King.
Today, we will explore Zechariah 14:1–9. Here, the Lord reveals a vision of His sovereign intervention and the ultimate triumph of Christ. For us as disciples, this passage reminds us that following Jesus is not simply about moral behaviour—it is about living in anticipation of the King’s return, surrendering to His rule, and proclaiming His Gospel in a world that is still under siege by sin.
Zechariah 14:1–9 (NLT): “A day of the Lord is coming, when your plunder will be divided within your very own city. I will gather all the nations to Jerusalem to fight against it; the city will be captured, the houses ransacked, and the women raped. Half of the city will go into exile, but the rest of the people will not be taken from the city. Then the Lord will go out to fight against those nations, as he fights on a day of battle. On that day, his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem, and the Mount of Olives will be split in two, forming a very large valley, with half the mountain moving north and half moving south. You will flee through this valley, because it will extend to Azel. You will flee as you fled from the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah. Then the Lord my God will come, and all his holy ones with him. On that day, there will be no light; the bright ones will become dark. On that day, the Lord will be king over all the earth. On that day the Lord will be the only one, and his name the only name. The whole land, from Geba to Rimmon, will be turned into a plain before Jerusalem. But Jerusalem will remain raised up, and it will be inhabited in its place from Benjamin’s Gate to the place of the First Gate, and from the Tower of Hananel to the king’s winepress. The people will live there, and there will be no more curse. On that day, the Lord will be acknowledged as one, and his name will be one. The Lord will be king over all the earth. On that day, the Lord will be the only one, and his name the only name.”
Zechariah wrote this prophecy during the post-exilic period, around 520–518 BC, as the Israelites returned from Babylonian exile. The people faced political uncertainty, opposition from surrounding nations, and spiritual apathy within their own ranks.
The prophecy of Zechariah 14 is eschatological—it looks forward to the “Day of the Lord,” when God’s decisive intervention will bring justice, restoration, and the establishment of His reign.
Verses 1–2: The text begins with the Lord declaring that a day of reckoning is coming. This is not merely a prediction of military defeat; it is a call for repentance. God’s judgment often precedes salvation, and here He warns His people and the nations.
“Yom Yahweh” (day of the Lord) implies both judgement and salvation, a day when God decisively acts to restore righteousness (Joel 2:31; Malachi 4:5).
Verses 3–5: The Lord will intervene personally. “His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives”—this is a messianic prophecy fulfilled in Christ’s second coming.
“Holy ones” (hagios) denotes God’s angels and saints, indicating divine accompaniment in the final victory.
As disciples, we can trust that no human force can overcome God’s plan. Our faith is anchored in Christ’s sovereignty.
Verses 6–9: This section emphasizes universal kingship. God will be recognised as “one” and His name “the only name.”
Theologically, this anticipates Revelation 11:15—“The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah.”
Spiritually, it points to the ultimate reconciliation between heaven and earth under the reign of Christ.
1. The Lord Will Act – God is Sovereign in History
“God’s sovereign hand is always moving, even when the world appears chaotic. History is not random; it’s under the control of our King.” —John Piper
Piper reminds us that God’s sovereignty is a comfort. Even when society feels fragmented, God is orchestrating events for the ultimate glory of Christ.
In your workplace, in your family struggles, in global uncertainty, remember: God is at work. Your role as a disciple is to follow Him faithfully, trusting His timing.
A pastor shared about a refugee family who escaped persecution, feeling abandoned by God. Later, they saw doors open in ministry and community service. God was orchestrating salvation, long before they understood it.
2. Jesus Will Return – The King Revealed
“The hope of Christ’s return is what keeps the Christian life urgent and full of purpose.” —R.T. Kendall
The imagery of the Mount of Olives splitting signals Christ’s return. The “holy ones with Him” include angelic beings and redeemed saints—symbolising the victory of God’s people in Christ.
Our discipleship is rooted in anticipation. How we live now matters because the King is coming. Every act of obedience and love prepares the world for His rule.
A young disciple shared how daily devotionals helped him resist temptation. He said, “I live as if Christ could return any day—and that makes every choice matter.”
3. God’s Name Alone Will Be Honoured – Gospel Centrality
“Jesus is not one option among many. He is the only Saviour, the only hope, the King of kings.” —Charles Stanley
Zechariah repeats: God’s name will be “the only name.” This is a Gospel truth: salvation is found in Christ alone (Acts 4:12).
Application: Evangelism must be bold. We cannot compromise the Gospel to fit culture.
Sharing Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection is essential:
Jesus died for our sins (1 Corinthians 15:3)
Jesus was buried and rose on the third day (1 Corinthians 15:4)
Faith in Him grants eternal life (John 3:16)
If you have never trusted Christ, repent today. Turn from sin and place your faith in Him alone for salvation.
4. Living as Disciples in Light of the King’s Return
“The greatest proof of faith is a life that reflects hope in God’s promises.” —Tim Keller
Discipleship means walking daily in the light of Christ’s return. Practically, this includes:
Commitment to prayer and Scripture reading (Psalm 119:105)
Acts of love and mercy (Matthew 25:35–40)
Boldness in sharing the Gospel (Romans 1:16)
Each decision, each relationship, each challenge can reflect the reality of the coming King.
Joel 2:31 – “The sun will be turned to darkness, and the moon to blood, before the great and terrible day of the Lord comes.”
Eschatological warning; reinforces Zechariah’s prophecy.
God’s timing is perfect; His judgement calls us to repentance.
Revelation 11:15 – “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah.”
God’s ultimate victory over evil.
Christ’s return assures our hope and mission.
Acts 4:12 – “Salvation is found in no one else.”
The exclusivity of Christ - Evangelism is urgent because Jesus is the only Saviour.
Psalm 46:1–3 – God is our refuge in times of trouble.
Disciples can face crises knowing God is our stronghold.
Matthew 24:42–44 – Be ready, for the Son of Man comes unexpectedly.
Live faithfully and expectantly.
The Lighthouse Analogy: A lighthouse does not control the storm, but it guides ships to safety. Similarly, Christ does not eliminate all suffering before His return, but His presence guides us safely through life’s storms.
The Marathon Runner: A marathon runner focuses on the finish line. The trials along the route are real, but the runner perseveres. Our Christian life is a spiritual marathon, with Christ’s return as our ultimate goal.
Gospel Presentation
Friends, this vision of the King coming is not only about judgement—it is about salvation. Christ came to die for sinners, was buried, and rose to conquer death. Today, you can turn to Him:
Repentance: Acknowledge your sin.
Faith: Trust in Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection.
Commitment: Follow Him as your Lord and King.
The same Jesus who will return as victorious King is inviting you now to be part of His kingdom.
Practical Application and Call to Action
Examine your life: Are there areas you have not surrendered to Jesus?
Commit to daily discipleship: prayer, Bible study, service.
Share the Gospel boldly with someone this week.
If you have never trusted Christ, pray: “Lord Jesus, I recognise my sin. I believe You died and rose again for me. I surrender my life to You. Come and be my Saviour and Lord.”
Conclusion & Benediction:
Zechariah’s vision reminds us that God is sovereign, Christ will return, and His name alone will be honoured. Let us live as faithful disciples, anticipating the King’s arrival, walking in obedience, and sharing the Good News.
May the Lord strengthen you, guard your hearts, and fill you with hope until that glorious day when Jesus Christ, our King, returns. And may your life shine as a beacon of His love in a darkened world. Amen.
