Daily Bread for Oct 3, Zec 8-14

Today’s readings are Zec 8-14.

Zec 9 was probably written well after the Temple was completed. It sets the tone for the rest of the book. In it, we see that God will deliver and bless Judah. His wrath will be unleashed on its enemies. We see a powerful Messianic prophecy in Zec 9:9-10.

In Zec 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 poorly they have 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 an inauspicious start to rebuilding as the Jews first return to a decimated Jerusalem. That humble beginning started with someone moving a single stone to begin reconstruction of 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 beginnings we see in Abraham not only grew but will continue forever in glory.

We learn several 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.