Zechariah 1:7-17

November 5, 2023

pm svc

Zechariah 1:7-17

Illustration:

The Faithful Remnant in World War II

During the dark days of World War II, when Nazi Germany was spreading its malevolent influence across Europe, there was a small, faithful Jewish remnant living in the heart of Nazi-occupied Europe.

They were faced with unimaginable persecution, suffering, and the desolation of their homeland, much like the Jews who returned to Jerusalem from exile in Zechariah's time.

One such story is that of the Jews in the Warsaw Ghetto.

In 1940, the Nazis forcibly confined hundreds of thousands of Jews into a walled-off section of the city. The conditions were deplorable, and the residents were subjected to cruelty beyond comprehension.

In the face of such suffering, the Jewish residents of the Warsaw Ghetto exhibited remarkable resilience, unity, and hope.

They defied their oppressors by creating an underground newspaper and forming secret organizations to resist the tyranny of the Nazi regime.

Their actions were akin to the remnant of Zechariah's time who persevered in rebuilding the temple despite opposition.

While their circumstances were dire, they clung to the hope of a brighter future, much like the hope expressed in Zechariah's vision.

In the face of overwhelming odds, these Jews embodied the spirit of Zechariah's call for God's mercy and restoration.

Their story is a testament to the enduring faith and resilience of those who trust in God's promises, even in the midst of adversity.

Now, …turn to Zechariah 1:7-17, here we see the divine message of hope, restoration, and God's enduring love for His people, and how it can speak to us in our own lives today.

7 “On the twenty-fourth day of the eleventh month, which is the month of Shebat, in the second year of Darius, the word of the Lord came to the prophet Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, son of Iddo, saying,

8 “I saw in the night, and behold, a man riding on a red horse! He was standing among the myrtle trees in the glen, and behind him were red, sorrel, and white horses.

9 Then I said, ‘What are these, my lord?’ The angel who talked with me said to me, ‘I will show you what they are.’

10 So the man who was standing among the myrtle trees answered, ‘These are they whom the Lord has sent to patrol the earth.’

11 And they answered the angel of the Lord who was standing among the myrtle trees, and said, ‘We have patrolled the earth, and behold, all the earth remains at rest.

12 Then the angel of the Lord said, ‘O Lord of hosts, how long will you have no mercy on Jerusalem and the cities of Judah, against which you have been angry these seventy years?’

13 And the Lord answered gracious and comforting words to the angel who talked with me.

14 So the angel who talked with me said to me, ‘Cry out, Thus says the Lord of hosts: I am exceedingly jealous for Jerusalem and for Zion.

15 And I am exceedingly angry with the nations that are at ease; for while I was angry but a little, they furthered the disaster.

16 Therefore, thus says the Lord, I have returned to Jerusalem with mercy; my house shall be built in it, declares the Lord of hosts, and the measuring line shall be stretched out over Jerusalem.

17 Cry out again, Thus says the Lord of hosts: My cities shall again overflow with prosperity, and the Lord will again comfort Zion and again choose Jerusalem.’”

PRAY

Intro:

This passage in Zechariah takes place in the second year of Darius, which is around 520 B.C., during a significant period in Israel's history.

The Jews had returned from the Babylonian exile, and they were tasked with rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem. This passage gives us valuable insights and encouragement from the Lord in the form of a vision.

1. The Vision (Verses 7-11):

Zechariah describes a vision of a man riding on a red horse, standing among myrtle trees in a glen.

In the background, there are red, sorrel, and white horses. When Zechariah asks what these symbols mean, the angel who is guiding him responds that they are sent to patrol the earth.

This vision reminds us that God's providence extends to the entire world.

The horses symbolize divine agents dispatched by the Lord to observe and report on the condition of the earth.

The world may seem at rest, but God's watchful eyes are upon it.

2. Intercession and Mercy (Verses 12-13):

Zechariah hears the angelic horses reporting that all the earth remains at rest.

Then, Zechariah witnesses a conversation between the angel of the Lord and the Lord Himself.

The angel raises a sad question, "How long will you have no mercy on Jerusalem and the cities of Judah, against which you have been angry these seventy years?"

This question reminds us of the importance of intercession and pleading for God's mercy on behalf of His people.

It also acknowledges that there had been a season of divine discipline, but Zechariah now longs for God's mercy to be extended.

3. God's Response (Verses 14-17):

The Lord responds to this plea with gracious and comforting words.

He declares His zeal for Jerusalem and Zion and His anger toward the nations that were at ease while Jerusalem suffered. God had been angry, but now He is ready to return with mercy.

This reassures us… that God's anger is always coupled with His desire to extend mercy and restoration to His people.

God's plans for Jerusalem include the rebuilding of His temple and the prosperity of His cities.

His comfort will return to Zion, and Jerusalem will be chosen once more.

We can draw several lessons from this passage:

God's Providence:

Even in times when the world appears at rest, God is actively watching over it and working out His purposes.

Intercession and Repentance:

We should intercede on behalf of God's people, recognizing that divine discipline can be followed by divine mercy, and we must repent and seek His favor.

God's Zeal and Restoration:

God's passion for His people and His commitment to their restoration remain unwavering.

He desires to bless and prosper His chosen city and people.

In conclusion,

Zechariah 1:7-17 presents us with a powerful message of God's watchful providence, His readiness to respond to intercession, and His unchanging commitment to His people.

Three practical applications from Zechariah 1:7-17 that can be applied to our everyday lives:

1. Watchfulness and Providence:

Just as God's angelic messengers patrolled the earth in Zechariah's vision, we must remember that God's watchful eye is upon us and the world.

In our daily lives, we should cultivate an awareness of God's providence. This means recognizing that He is actively involved in our circumstances, even when things may seem at rest.

Practical Application: Develop a habit of daily prayer and reflection, seeking to recognize God's presence and guidance in your life.

This can lead to a deeper sense of trust and assurance that God is at work in your daily affairs.

2. Intercession and Compassion:

Zechariah's plea for God's mercy on Jerusalem and Judah reminds us of the power of intercession.

In our own lives, we should not only pray for ourselves but also intercede on behalf of others who may be going through difficult times. This extends to showing compassion and helping those in need.

Practical Application: Dedicate time to pray for those who are facing adversity, whether they are friends, family, or those in need around the world.

Consider volunteering or supporting charitable organizations to express God's love through practical acts of compassion.

3. Trust in God's Restoration:

Just as God promised the restoration of Jerusalem and the rebuilding of His temple, we can trust that God's plans for our lives include restoration and renewal. In our personal challenges and trials, we should hold fast to the hope that God's mercy and comfort will ultimately prevail.

Practical Application: Whenever you face setbacks, disappointments, or trials in your life, remind yourself of God's promises and His faithfulness. Hold onto the assurance that God can and will bring restoration and comfort.

This trust can provide a foundation of hope and perseverance in everyday life.

As we incorporate these practical applications into our daily routines, they can help us align our lives with the timeless truths of Zechariah 1:7-17, drawing strength from the message of hope, intercession, and trust in God's providence and restoration.

I pray we take these lessons to heart, seeking His guidance and mercy in our own lives and communities, always remembering that God's promises endure, and His purposes will be fulfilled.

PRAY