Untitled Sermon (3)

February 11, 2024

FBC Baxley

pm service

Zechariah 6

6 Again I lifted my eyes and saw, and behold, four chariots came out from between two mountains. And the mountains were mountains of bronze.

2 The first chariot had red horses, the second black horses,

3 the third white horses, and the fourth chariot dappled horses—all of them strong.

4 Then I answered and said to the angel who talked with me, “What are these, my lord?”

5 And the angel answered and said to me, “These are going out to the four winds of heaven, after presenting themselves before the Lord of all the earth.

6 The chariot with the black horses goes toward the north country, the white ones go after them, and the dappled ones go toward the south country.”

7 When the strong horses came out, they were impatient to go and patrol the earth. And he said, “Go, patrol the earth.” So they patrolled the earth.

8 Then he cried to me, “Behold, those who go toward the north country have set my Spirit at rest in the north country.”

9 And the word of the Lord came to me:

10 “Take from the exiles Heldai, Tobijah, and Jedaiah, who have arrived from Babylon, and go the same day to the house of Josiah, the son of Zephaniah. 11 Take from them silver and gold, and make a crown, and set it on the head of Joshua, the son of Jehozadak, the high priest.

12 And say to him, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts, “Behold, the man whose name is the Branch: for he shall branch out from his place, and he shall build the temple of the Lord.

13 It is he who shall build the temple of the Lord and shall bear royal honor, and shall sit and rule on his throne. And there shall be a priest on his throne, and the counsel of peace shall be between them both.”’

14 And the crown shall be in the temple of the Lord as a reminder to Helem, Tobijah, Jedaiah, and Hen the son of Zephaniah.

15 “And those who are far off shall come and help to build the temple of the Lord. And you shall know that the Lord of hosts has sent me to you. And this shall come to pass, if you will diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God.”

-PRAY

Title: "The Four Chariots of Zechariah: Unveiling God's Divine Plan"

Introduction:

Imagine a bustling city where construction is underway for a magnificent skyscraper.

The architects meticulously plan every detail, ensuring its stability and purpose.

In our study through the book of Zechariah, we find a similar scene where God reveals His divine blueprint for the future.

Tonight in Zechariah chapter six, we see where four chariots emerge, symbolizing God's sovereign control over the nations.

1: Divine Agents of God's Judgment

Zechariah, in his vision, witnesses four chariots emerging from between two mountains of bronze. (Mt Zion, & Mt of Olives)

These chariots, led by horses of various colors, represent divine agents dispatched by God to execute His judgments upon the nations.

Horses in the Bible often represent God's activity on earth. In Zac 6:1-8 for example, horses are agents of God's wrath and vengeance upon sinful men. In the Book of Revelation also they serve the same purpose.

Chapter 6 of Book of Zechariah and chapter 6 the Book of Revelation are both identical as far as horses are concerned.

In Rev.6:2 there refers a white horse. The rider of the horse is Jesus because of a similar description in Rev.19:11.

The rider of the white horse in Rev.6 has a bow but does not have arrows. The bow is a symbol of military power in Old Testament. It seems the white horse with the rider carrying a bow symbolizes military conquest. But here he comes with a bow without arrows. He will rise on a platform of peace, by a temporary economic prosperity and real or manipulated miracles.

The Antichrist will offer amazing and practical peaceful solutions to the world's most perplexing problems and He will be hailed.

The purpose of Red horse is to take out peace from the earth along with its prosperity on which so many people are depending. The color denotes terror and death.

The red horse indicates a time of unbridled bloodshed when there will be crime in the streets, people butchering one another when the world has become a seething caldron of bitterness and hatred.

The rider of the black horse carries with it a famine and economic collapse signified by exorbitant food prices. During this time food may be available in certain areas of the world but with a steep price.

The fourth horse is dappled gray… This horse will bring death, plague, pestilences.

The symbolism of bronze mountains underscores God's unshakable and righteous judgment.

Just as a skilled architect plans for the safety of a building, God orchestrates the events of history to bring about justice and righteousness.

2: The Global Scope of God's Sovereignty

Each chariot goes in a different direction, covering the earth and displaying God's global reach.

The chariots symbolize God's control over the entire world, emphasizing His sovereignty over all nations and peoples.

While human kingdoms rise and fall, God's divine plan unfolds, showcasing His authority and wisdom.

The different colors of the horses remind us that God's plan includes diverse cultures, nations, and people, weaving them together in His grand design.

3: The Role of the High Priest - A Foreshadowing of Christ

In the vision, Joshua, the high priest, is crowned with a royal turban, signifying a dual role as both priest and king.

This imagery foreshadows Jesus Christ, the ultimate High Priest and King. Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, Jesus brings reconciliation between God and humanity, fulfilling the priestly role.

Simultaneously, He establishes His kingdom, fulfilling the kingly role.

The vision points to the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ, who brings salvation and reigns with righteousness.

Conclusion - Life Applications:

1. Embrace God's Sovereignty:

Just as the architect's plan ensures the stability of a building, we can find security and peace by embracing God's sovereignty over our lives.

Trusting in His divine plan, even in uncertain times, allows us to rest in the assurance that He is in control.

2. Pursue Unity in Diversity:

The diverse colors of the horses symbolize the richness of God's creation. As believers, we are called to embrace and celebrate diversity within the body of Christ.

Let us strive for unity while appreciating the uniqueness of each individual, recognizing that God's plan encompasses all nations and cultures.

3. Walk in the Dual Role of Priest and King:

Just as Joshua wore a royal turban, believers are called to embody the dual role of priests and kings in Christ. As priests, we intercede for others, bringing them into God's presence.

As kings, we live out the values of God's kingdom, impacting the world around us. Let us faithfully represent Christ in both roles, bringing glory to His name.

I pray the vision of the four chariots in Zechariah chapter six inspire us to trust in God's sovereign plan, celebrate diversity, and faithfully fulfill our roles as priests and kings in Christ.

-PRAY