The Day The King Comes: Living In The Light Of Christ’s Return - Zechariah 14:1–9 Series

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.