People of the Promise: Exile & Return – Lesson 19

 

Zechariah 5-6

Vision 6:  The Flying Scroll – Zechariah 5:1-4

This vision symbolizes how God will judge sinners.  Zechariah saw a flying scroll that said this is a curse for the whole land.  On one side it said every thief will banish and on the other everyone who swears falsely will be banished.  God will punish those who do not obey His laws.  These laws called the Ten commandments are found in Exodus 20:1-21.

When we lie and steal we are sinning against God and against our neighbors.  Matthew 22:36-40 tells us that we must love God with all our heart and soul and mind, but we must also love our neighbor as ourselves.  If we don’t, we are violating God’s law.

This vision’s message point to our need for salvation in Christ.  “There is no one righteous; not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God.  All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.” – Romans 3:10-12   No one can achieve perfect righteousness on their own; that’s why we need the Savior, Jesus.

The large flying scroll represents God’s judgment against sin and its size indicates it covers the entire land.  It deals with theft and lying and those who commit these sins will face divine retribution.

Principle:  God will be relentless in judging all sin.

Vision 7:  The Woman in a Basket – Zechariah 5:5-11

In this vision he saw a woman in a basket.   The basket was filled with all the sins of the people, but it wasn’t large enough to hold all the sins.  The woman tried to lift the lead lid as if trying to escape, but the angel forces her down and puts the led back in place.  Perhaps she sensed that judgment is coming. 

This woman represents wickedness the sinful nature of the people.  The basket holds the wickedness and will be dealt with by God.

Then 2 women with wings took the basket away.  Not sure who these women are, but we know they are accomplishing the will of God.  It symbolizes the removal of sin.  They were taking the basket to Babylon, which was a fitting place to take it since Babylon was a place of wickedness and idolatry.  There a house will be built and she will be set there on her own pedestal as an idol for pagans worship.

Principle:  God will eventually remove all sin and evil.

Vision 8:  Four Chariots – Zechariah 6

This vision depicts 4 chariots – one had red horses, the 2^nd black, the 3^rd white, and the 4^th dappled. The angel revealed these were the 4 spirits of heaven.  They were powerful and went throughout the earth.

This vision is similar to Zechariah’s 1^st vision.  In the 1^st there is a man on a red horse patrolling the earth and emphasizes God’s judgment on the enemies of Israel and encourages the rebuilding of the temple.  In in the 8^th there are 4 chariots with horses of different colors patrolling the earth and emphasizes God’s execution of His judgments.  Both highlight God’s awareness and involvement in the world.

God’s judgments will come to all the nations of the earth, especially those that afflicted Israel.  God directed Zechariah to make a crown of silver and gold donated by some exiles and set it on Joshua the high priest’s head and then put it in the temple.

This is a picture of the future high priest, the future Messiah as both priest and king. He was to speak to Joshua and tell him that this is what the Lord says, “Here is the man whose name is the Branch, and he will branch out from his place and build the temple of the Lord.  It is he who will build the temple of the Lord, and he will be clothed with majesty and will sit and rule on his throne.” – Zech. 6:12-13.  A branch is a term referring to the rightful heir from the family of King David.  Jesus the Messiah comes from the line of David.

Jesus fulfills the role as the great High Priest.  “but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood.  Therefore he is able to save completely….” – Heb. 7:24-28.  He as our Priest offered a one-time sacrifice for us. (Heb 10:12).  He intercedes for us (Rom. 8:34).

We learn about Jesus as King from these verses:

Matt. 25:31 – “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory.”

Eph. 1:20-22 – “Far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.  And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church.”

Phil. 2:9-11 – “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above   every name…”

Rev. 1:5 – “Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.”

Principle:  Jesus is both our High Priest and our King.

These visions are hard to understand.  I had to get some help from other sources.

Resources:

Bible.org

Easyenglish.bible

Thebiblesays.com

Next week we will continue our study in Zechariah.  -- I encourage you to trust in Jesus.

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People of the Promise: Exile & Return – Lesson 18

 

Zechariah 1:7 – 4:14

Vision 1 – Man Among the Myrtle Trees – Zechariah 1:7-17

During the night Zechariah had a vision or dream.  Among the myrtle trees He saw a man riding a red horse with others horses behind him.  Verse 11 identifies the man as the Angel of the Lord.  In the Old Testament the Angel of the Lord is Jesus before His incarnation in Bethlehem.  Myrtle trees are small trees that can only grow about 30 tall.  They represent the lowly people, the Jews.  This vision of Jesus  and His angels in the middle of the oppressed people is given to encourage and to show His powerful presence with them even in trials.

God was jealous for Jerusalem and used the pagan nations to bring judgment on His sinning people. He showed compassion for Israel and brought them back after 70 years in exile.  Now He promises them His house would be rebuilt, the towns would be prosperous, and He would bring comfort to them.

Principle:  God encourages us with His powerful presence.

Vision 2 – The Four Horns  & Craftsmen – Zechariah 1:18-21

Zechariah looked up and saw before him 4 horns.  These horns were the nations that destroyed and scattered the people of Israel.  God allowed these nations to punish them because they had done wrong things.  God still cared for them and showed Zechariah that He had a plan to destroy those nations and He would save His people.

The craftsmen that Zechariah saw are those that God will send to judge the nations that scattered His people.  He will destroy their enemies.

Hearing that God cares for Israel and has future plans for them would have certainly encouraged them.

Psalm 121 tells us that our help comes from the Lord.  He never slumbers or sleeps.  He is our shade in the sun.  He will keep us from all harm and watch over our life both now and forever.

Principles:

God’s people should expect hardships and opposition, because we live in an evil world.

God uses opposition to draw all people to Him.

God allows opposition to teach us we can’t prevail in our own strength.

God is the strong defender of His people and will punish the wicked in His time.

Vision 3 – The Man Measuring Jerusalem – Zechariah 2

This chapter is a message of hope and encouragement for Israel, assuring them of God’s faithfulness and protective presence.  God promised His people would rebuild Jerusalem.  Zechariah saw a man with a measuring line measuring Jerusalem.  Then an angel came to him and said there was no need to measure because it would not need walls.  The Lord Himself will be its wall with a protective “wall of fire” around it and He will be the glory within it.  This refers to the 2^nd coming of Jesus and the New Jerusalem, which will have no need for sun or moon.  His glory will be its light.

Specific promises regarding Judah and Jerusalem:

Zech. 2:4 – Jerusalem will be a city without walls because of the great number of men and livestock in it.

Zech. 2:5a – Jesus will be a wall of fire around it.

Zech. 2:5b, 10, 11b – Jesus will be its glory within, He will live among you, you will know the Lord Almighty has sent Jesus to you.

Zech. 2:11a – Many nations will be joined with the Lord and become His people.

These promises are encouraging, because God is faithful and He keeps promises.  All His promises will be fulfilled and He will be with us forever.

God’s promises are for all mankind, because He has come for all those who believe in Him. We are to be still and be in awe of Him and know that He is God. (Zech. 2:13; Ps. 46:10; Hab. 2:20).

Principle:  God’s presence is our protection.

Vision 4 – Joshua and the Branch – Zechariah 3

Zechariah had a vision of Joshua representing Israel standing before the Angel of the Lord and Satan.  Joshua or Israel had filthy garments representing the sins of the people.  Satan is accusing him, but the Angel of the Lord rebuked Satan.  Joshua is encouraged by being cleansed symbolizing the removal of sin and is then clothed in a clean robe signifying righteousness and restoration.

When a person comes to Christ, his filthy clothes of sin are removed and he puts on clean garments making him righteous.  He accepts Jesus as his Savoir and his sins are forgiven; he is saved.  He puts on a new self; the old self is gone. (Eph. 4:24).

Zechariah 3:3-8 points to Jesus as the branch, the future Messiah.  Being cleansed and clothed in new garments is done by the work of Jesus’s atoning work on the cross and His victory over sin and Satan.

Principle:  God forgives our sins, removes our shame, redefines us, and clothes us in righteousness through Jesus Christ.

If God has not rescued you from your sins, you must allow Him to cleanse you by His grace through Christ.  If He has rescued you, it is so you can now serve Him as you walk in His ways.

Vision 5 – Lampstand and Olive Trees – Zechariah 4

Zechariah had another dream or vision.  The 5^th encourages the high priest Zerubbabel telling him the temple that he had started will be completed and the Jews will become a light to all nations.  Zechariah saw a gold lampstand with 7 lamps and a bowl at the top filled with oil.  Beside it was 2 olive trees, each with a branch extended to the bowl that poured oil  from the tree.  The oil that continually flows symbolizes the Holy spirit.  The 2 branches are Joshua and Zerubbabel.  Together they are a type of Jesus as He is Priest and King.

To Zerubbabel the rebuilding of the temple seemed like a great mountain.  He was encouraged when told it would not be built by human strength or political power, but by the Spirit of God Himself.

This is encouraging to us to know that when we feel weak and overwhelmed, we can take our strength from His power, His might, and the Spirit of God Himself.

Principle:  It’s by God grace that we accomplish His purposes in the world.

Key Verse:  “Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord Almighty.” – Zech. 4:6

Next week we will continue our study in Zechariah.  -- I encourage you to trust in Jesus.

Resources:

Bible.org

Easyenglish.bible

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People of the Promise: Exile & Return – Lesson 17

 

Zechariah was a priest and a prophet.  He prophesied to the people of Judah after they returned from 70 years on exile in Babylon.  He pictures Christ in both His 1^st coming and His 2^nd coming.  According to Zechariah, Jesus will come as Savior, Judge, and ultimately as King ruling His people from Jerusalem.  He provided specific prophecy about the exiles future.  They would be cleansed and restored; God would rebuild His people.  He ends the book by looking into the distant future, the rejection of the Messiah and then His eventual reign.

Call to Repentance – Zechariah 1:1-6

The Word of the Lord spoke to Haggai in the 2^nd year and 6^th month of King Darius’s reign and then to Zechariah 2 months later.  The returning exiles were not all dedicated to serving God.  Haggai and Zechariah were prophets who counseled them to repent.

The people had started rebuilding the temple, but there were people that opposed them so they stopped rebuilding.  They had decided to build houses for themselves and a wall for protection instead.  Zechariah told them to build the temple first and God would protect them.

In Zechariah 1:2 Zechariah told the people that God had been very angry with their forefathers and that they should not be like their ancestor who had rebelled. 

God’s anger is different from human anger, because He is righteous and driven by His holiness and love.  He is slow to anger (Psalm 103:7).  Human anger is filled bitterness and often selfishness and revenge.  It can be petty and lead to destructive actions.  This bitterness is very evident in today’s society with mobs of protesters and rebellion of hate for those of opposite beliefs. 

Sinful people can escape God’s wrath by repenting of sins and then accepting and following Jesus.  Jesus came into the world to save all sinners. (John 3:36; Romans 5:10; 1 Timothy 1:15).

In Zechariah 1:3 God instructed Zechariah to tell the people to return to Him and He would return to them.  “Return to me…and I will return to you” - Zechariah 1:3.  Repentance is not a one-sided action, but a turning point where God shows mercy and restores the lost sinner.  All a sinner has to do is return to Him and He forgives and restores.

James 4:7-10 tells us to “Submit yourselves, then, to God.  Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.  Come near to God and he will come near to you……”.  These verses encourage believers to submit to God’s authority, to resist temptations, draw near to God through prayer and fellowship, and be humble before God.

Zechariah called for the people to learn from the sins of their forefathers.  They should not be like their forefathers.  The prophets warned them that God would punish them if they didn’t obey.  The people didn’t obey so God sent them into exile in Babylon.  He reminded them that life is temporary and they are a part of a larger story.  By remembering their history and the struggles of their ancestors, they should gain wisdom in their lives.

We need to reflect on history because we learn from mistakes.  It teaches us what to do and not do.  It helps us understand and learn about ourselves.  It empowers us to make conscious choices about how we want to live our life.  It can boost our confidence and motivation.  It can change our opinions and viewpoints.

Their ancestors probably repented while in exile when they realized God meant what He said.  They began to remember His words.  They knew they could not run away from God.

To repent means to be sorry for wrong things you have done and promise to try not to do them in the future.  It means changing your behavior and turning away from sin.  It’s humbly denying yourself and involves a change of heart as well as actions.

Psalm 32:1-5 tell us there is agony in unconfessed sin, but a blessing to those who confess.  Acknowledge your sin and God will forgive you. 1 John 1:8-9 tell us if we think we are without sin we deceive ourselves, but if we confess He will forgive us and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Principle:  God has wrath against unrepentant sinners, but is full of love and mercy to those who repent.

Next week we will continue our study in Zechariah. -- I encourage you to trust in Jesus.

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People of the Promise: Exile & Return – Lesson 16

 

 

 

The Book of Haggai is named after the prophet Haggai.  His prophecies are recorder in the book, but the authorship of the book is uncertain.  It is thought that a disciple of his wrote the book.  He encouraged the people who had returned from Babylonian exile to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem.

Haggai 1-2

The Call to Continue the Temple – Haggai 1

The Jews had returned from exile and began to rebuild the temple.  They found opposition among the people living there causing them to became discouraged and the building stopped.  The people began thinking of themselves.  God sent the prophet Haggai to speak to them.  Haggai told them that they were making excuses for not building the temple.  They said it wasn’t God’s timing and the work was too hard.  Haggai told them they had their priorities all wrong.  They had found the time to build their houses and live in luxury while the temple was in ruins.

We should see ourselves here.  We are just like the people in Haggai’s time.  We’re all prone to make excuses for not putting God first with our time and money.  To let the temple lay in ruin was to  neglect the worship of God.  When we make excuses for reading our Bible or going to church, we are neglecting the worship of Him.

Haggai’s word from God challenged the people.  Two times in verse 5 and 7 he said, “Give careful thought to your ways”.  Are you giving careful thought to your ways?  How are you spending your time and money?  What is your aim?  Is it to glorify God or yourself?

The Lord said, “I am with you” – Haggai 1:13.  The people respected Haggai and they feared the  presence of the Lord so their spirits were stirred.  It began with Zerubbabel the governor and Joshua the high priest.  The people responded by obeying the Lord and began to work on the temple again.

Principles: 

God wants us to put Him first and when we do He empowers and encourages us to do what He commands.

Give careful thought to your ways.

Hope for  the Future – Haggai 2

The people looked at the partially rebuilt temple and became discouraged.  They compared it with the original temple that Solomon built in all its glory and beauty.  God reminded them of how He was always with them and how He provided for them in the past (Exodus 29:45-46; Nehemiah 9:20).  He said the rebuilt temple would be more glorious than the first.  God told the leaders and the people to be strong. 

In Haggai 2:10-19 he emphasizes the importance of following God’s ways in their daily lives.  He gives examples of purity and defilement and shows how it applies to the people.  In order to gain all God has for them, they must abide by His covenant commands.  The commands were made for their good and following them will lead to fulfillment in life.

He talks of the defiled, dead, and unrighteous.  This defines all people.  Romans 3:10-26 tell us that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.  The remedy is Christ Jesus.  We are justified by his grace through the redemption that came by Jesus when He sacrificed Himself on the cross.

God understands the discouragement we face when we serve Him.  He knew what they were thinking and feeling and He knew those who were discouraging them.  Satan always tries to dampen our enthusiasm and attacks us continually especially when we are doing the Lord’s work.  So God told them again to not be afraid because He was with them.

God encouraged Zerubbabel and the people saying He will assert His sovereignty over the nations.  He will shake heaven and earth, the sea and the dry land.  He will shake all nations and the desire of all nations will come and fill the temple with glory.

God made a promise to Zerubbabel.  He said He will make him like a signet ring. A signet ring is a token of royal authority.  Zerubbabel was chosen of God and included in the ancestry of Jesus.  Jesus is the Signet Ring on God’s right hand.  Here He is the announcing the future coming of Messiah Jesus.

Principle:  Following God’s ways lead to fulfillment in life.

Promises from the Book of Haggai:

God is with us.

His Spirit is with us.

His Glory is with us.

He has everything we need.

He is in our  future.

His peace is with us.

Next week we will continue our study in Zechariah.  --  I encourage you to trust in Jesus.

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People of the Promise: Exile & Return – Lesson 15

 

Esther 8-10

God Makes Things Right – Esther 8

King Xerxes gave Haman’s estate to Queen Esther.  She told the king how Mordecai was related to her.  Then the king elevated Mordecai to royalty and gave him his signet ring which had been previously given to Haman.  Mordecai was appointed over Haman’s estate.

Esther wept and pleaded with the king to stop with Haman’s plan to annihilate the Jews.  She asked him to issue an official order on behalf of the Jews.  Again Esther used wise judgment when she approached the king.  She showed restraint and sensitivity by humbling herself before the king.  She was a true intercessor for God’s people.

You’ve heard the old saying ‘you catch more flies with honey than vinegar’ and ‘kill them with kindness’.  That’s exactly what she did.

A new decree was written and went out to all the provinces stating that the Jew were not to be harmed.  It also allowed the Jews to arm themselves and defend themselves against any hostile group that tried to harm them.  The people rejoiced and held feasts to celebrate the reversal of their fate.  Some of the people of Persia were afraid and declared themselves Jews.

There are parallels between Esther and Jesus:

Both were Jews.

Both served others.

Both were unique, Esther was one-in-a-million picked out of the Persian empire, Jesus was the one unique sinless man.

Both were royals, Esther a queen and Jesus a king.

Both accepted a responsibility that they alone could fill.

Both sacrificed to save their people.

Both defeated a murderous accuser, Esther defeated Haman and Jesus defeated Satan.

Both saved their people from death.

Both stories were orchestrated by God.

Both stories ended with God winning.

Principle:  In the end God always makes things right.

The Jews Fight Off Their Enemies – Esther 9

Those who hated the Jews hoped to get the advantage over them, but the opposite happened.  The Jews defended themselves against their enemies.  They gathered together with aid of government officials.  They struck down all their enemies by killing and destroying them.  They destroyed 500 including the 10 sons of Haman and later 75,000, but they didn’t take any plunder.  This was not an attack of aggression but of self-defense.

Principle:  We need to trust in God’s providence even when we can’t see it working.

They celebrated with a feast called Purim.  This feast is to remind the Jews that God is in control of history and He is faithful to protect His people.  Haman had selected this day for the destruction of the Jews, but this turned out to be the day for the Jews’ salvation.   It was to remind them of God’s protection, deliverance, rest and peace, provision, joy, faithfulness, righteousness and justice.

We should always be joyful no matter what life brings.  Phil. 4:4-6 – “Rejoice in the Lord always.  I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all.  The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”  1 Thess. 5:16-18 – “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Mordecai Honored – Esther 10

Mordecai became 2^nd in rank to the king.  He demonstrated great leadership and used his power to benefit his people.  He was faithful to God and his people.  He was held in high esteem by the Jews.  He continually worked for the good of the Jewish people.

This book of Esther is a story of coincidences and reversals that forces us to see God’s purpose at work behind every scene.  It teaches us to trust in God’s providence even when we can’t see it working.  It reminds us that even in our very worst moments there is always hope because Jesus is alive.

Principle:  Always work for the good of others and speak up on their behalf.

Next week we will continue our study in the book of Haggai. -- I encourage you to trust in Jesus.

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