Chronological Reading Plan for Sep 21, Zech 10-14

The readings for today are Zech 10-14. Tomorrow's are Est 1-5.

In Zech 10, the Lord (the good shepherd) promises to return more of His people to the Promised Land. The under-shepherds, men who have been given the responsibility to lead,  will  be accountable for how they led the people. God also promises to strengthen His people and lead them in victory over their enemies. This is another pattern we’ve seen and will continue to see. God gives certain people leadership responsibilities for guiding and caring for His children. Their job is not to stand in God’s place, but to nourish, protect, heal and grow the people of God. They are, in every way, servants of the people held responsible to God for how they serve His children. They pave the way for the ultimate servant, Jesus Christ.

The last two chapters show that the pattern of refining and redemption will play itself out in the last days as God establishes His eternal kingdom in much the same manner as He does in Jerusalem during Zechariah's time.

The entire book of Zechariah tells the tale of a small beginning as the Jews first return to a decimated Jerusalem. That small beginning started with someone moving a single stone to begin rebuilding the walls and temple. Eventually, we see a new and healthy city with a beautiful temple. 

This is a reminder of the eternal kingdom of God which began with a similarly small beginning, one humble man, Abraham, whose descendants eventually became the church. The small beginning we see in Abraham not only grew but will continue on forever in glory.

We learn a number of lessons from Zechariah; (1) We should never measure success by the size of the work. The things we do, no matter how big or small, can have eternal impact. (2) God sits in sovereign authority over everyone, not just His people. (3) Leadership is serious business, leaders will be held accountable for how they lead.