SCRIPTURE: Zechariah 4

OBSERVATION:
In this vision, the people are reminded that their success does not depend on their weapons, their armour or their armies, but on the power and presence of the Lord among them. Their witness for the King [symbolized by the lampstand] is empowered by the Spirit [symbolized by oil] that flows without running out, keeping the lamp burning. I suspect that “the two” anointed to serve the Lord of all the earth are Joshua [anointed as high priest] and Zerubbabel [anointed as king]. Through His appointed servants, the Lord will grant success to Israel. Continue reading ‘relying on His strength’ »

SCRIPTURE: Zechariah 3

OBSERVATION:
The high priest stands between God and the people. That being judged for sin (in the fire), he is plucked from the flames, given new, clean garments, and recommissioned as God’s ambassador. The accuser (Satan) is silenced. Even though guilty, God gives them another chance. The Branch and seven-eyed stone is symbolic of the Spirit-empowered messiah, Jesus, through whom the sin of the world is removed in a single day (i.e. the crucifixion). Continue reading ‘who am I believing?’ »

SCRIPTURE: Zechariah 2

OBSERVATION:
The Lord chose Israel to represent Him to the world. When they failed to live up to their calling, the Lord punished them with exile. But He did not reject them forever, and He will once again use them to rebuild His Kingdom on earth. The Lord calls the exiles to return to Jerusalem (capitol of Israel, in ruins) where He build a city too big for walls, filled with His glory. He will be there Himself, and will extend His mercy to all nations. The gist of this passage is, I am on the side of my chosen people, and I will personally stand up for them, to protect and establish them.

Continue reading ‘his kingdom comes’ »

SCRIPTURE: Zechariah 1

OBSERVATION:
This book consists of a series of visions given by God to Zechariah (around 520 BC) for the nation of Israel, exiles in Babylon. The basic message is ‘get ready, God is about to act on behalf of Israel!’ [1:16] God had allowed His special people to be defeated by their cruel, sinful neighbours, as punishment for their refusal to serve God. But now, though the whole world is at rest and in peace (i.e. the ungodly nations are enjoying a season of success), God will step in to restore His special nation, and punish the neighbouring nations for their wickedness. A ‘craftsman’ has arrived to rebuild what the armies (‘horns’) had ruined. Continue reading ‘renewing the church’ »

SCRIPTURE: Psalm 146

OBSERVATION
A summary of what David says in Psalm 146: I will always boast about how great God is, the great and mighty God who is on the side of the weak and needy! When you think of God, is this what comes to mind for you? The champion of the weak, the needy, the hurting, the oppressed, the poor, the hungry, the abused, etc? Most people get their impressions of God from the people who claim to worship Him. And often that impression is one of anger, judgment, aloofness, self-righteousness, uncaring, distant, unconcerned about the things that matter to us. Continue reading ‘concern for the weak and needy’ »

SCRIPTURE: Psalm 145

OBSERVATION/APPLICATION

1. How much time do you spend thinking about how great and how good God is? Honestly! I’m not talking about singing worship songs, I’m talking about intentional periods of reflection where we list the different ways that God’s greatness or goodness have impacted us. I need to ask myself this question. David says here that he praises the Lord ‘for ever and ever’ and ‘every day’. He hears the older and younger generations talking about how awesome He is to each other. He spends time thinking about (meditating) on the wonderful works of God. When is the last time you did this, when is the last time I did this? Continue reading ‘daily, specific praise!’ »

SCRIPTURE: Psalm 144

OBSERVATION/APPLICATION

1. These words need to be read in their context, then applied to our own context. In David’s day, when violence and war were normal, being trained for battle and subduing the enemy was critical. The enemy – often foreigners, or non Jews – was a constant threat to the tiny, vulnerable nation of Israel. If not for God’s power and protection, the kingdom of Israel could not survive. David recognizes that the ONLY reason the nation of Israel is doing well is because of God! Continue reading ‘trained for battle’ »

SCRIPTURE: Psalm 143

OBSERVATION/APPLICATION

1. What did David do when he was in a desperate situation? (a) he prayed desperately, persistently (b) he was honest about his struggles, as wel as about his own sin and need for mercy (c) he reminded himself of God’s past blessings and mercies (d) he opened himself to learn, to be taught (e) he anticipated/expected God’s help (f) he based his confidence on God’s power and love. These are evident in this psalm, but can also be seen in most other psalms. Compare this to what we do when we are in a desperate situation. Continue reading ‘persistent prayer’ »