Zechariah 10:1-12

March 17, 2024

FBC Baxley

Pm service

Zechariah 10:1-12

1 Ask rain from the Lord

in the season of the spring rain,

from the Lord who makes the storm clouds,

and he will give them showers of rain,

to everyone the vegetation in the field.

2 For the household gods utter nonsense,

and the diviners see lies;

they tell false dreams

and give empty consolation.

Therefore the people wander like sheep;

they are afflicted for lack of a shepherd.

3 “My anger is hot against the shepherds,

and I will punish the leaders;

for the Lord of hosts cares for his flock, the house of Judah,

and will make them like his majestic steed in battle.

4 From him shall come the cornerstone,

from him the tent peg,

from him the battle bow,

from him every ruler—all of them together.

5 They shall be like mighty men in battle,

trampling the foe in the mud of the streets;

they shall fight because the Lord is with them,

and they shall put to shame the riders on horses.

6 “I will strengthen the house of Judah,

and I will save the house of Joseph.

I will bring them back because I have compassion on them,

and they shall be as though I had not rejected them,

for I am the Lord their God and I will answer them.

7 Then Ephraim shall become like a mighty warrior,

and their hearts shall be glad as with wine.

Their children shall see it and be glad;

their hearts shall rejoice in the Lord.

8 “I will whistle for them and gather them in,

for I have redeemed them,

and they shall be as many as they were before.

9 Though I scattered them among the nations,

yet in far countries they shall remember me,

and with their children they shall live and return.

10 I will bring them home from the land of Egypt,

and gather them from Assyria,

and I will bring them to the land of Gilead and to Lebanon,

till there is no room for them.

11 He shall pass through the sea of troubles

and strike down the waves of the sea,

and all the depths of the Nile shall be dried up.

The pride of Assyria shall be laid low,

and the scepter of Egypt shall depart.

12 I will make them strong in the Lord,

and they shall walk in his name,”

declares the Lord.

-PRAY

Title: The Promise of Restoration: Drawing Near to God

Introduction:

Have you ever felt like you were in a dry and barren land, thirsting for something more, longing for fulfillment?

In our journey of faith, we often encounter seasons of drought, times when our spirits cry out for the refreshing rain of God’s presence.

But fear not, for the Word of the Lord speaks to us today through the prophet Zechariah, offering a promise of restoration and a path to draw near to God.

Tonight we will uncover the treasures of divine assurance and guidance from Zechariah.

I. Seeking the Rain: A Cry for Restoration (Verses 1-3)

Ask rain from the Lord

in the season of the spring rain,

from the Lord who makes the storm clouds,

and he will give them showers of rain,

to everyone the vegetation in the field.

2 For the household gods utter nonsense,

and the diviners see lies;

they tell false dreams

and give empty consolation.

Therefore the people wander like sheep;

they are afflicted for lack of a shepherd.

3 “My anger is hot against the shepherds,

and I will punish the leaders;[a]

for the Lord of hosts cares for his flock, the house of Judah,

and will make them like his majestic steed in battle.

In the opening verses of Zechariah 10, we witness a sad plea from the people of God.

They cry out for rain, symbolizing their need for spiritual refreshment and restoration.

Like a parched land yearning for the life-giving water, their souls thirst for the presence and blessing of the Almighty. Psalm 42:1 “As the deer.....”

In their plea, we find a timeless truth – that true fulfillment and satisfaction can only be found in God Himself.

So often, we seek comfort in the fleeting pleasures of this world, only to find ourselves empty and disillusioned.

But let us heed the call of Zechariah and turn our gaze heavenward, for it is in God alone that our souls find their true satisfaction.

II. The Shepherd's Promise: Assurance of Provision (Verses 4-5)

Amidst the cries of His people, the Lord responds with a promise of provision and care.

He declares Himself as the Shepherd of His flock, committed to leading them beside still waters and restoring their souls.

In this imagery, we see the tender love and compassion of our Heavenly Father, who knows our needs even before we speak them.

Just as a shepherd tends to his sheep, guiding them to green pastures and protecting them from harm, so too does our God watch over us with unwavering devotion.

Let us take comfort in the assurance that He is faithful to provide for our every need, both physically and spiritually.

III. Victory in Battle: Strength in the Lord (Verses 6-7)

As the prophecy continues, we are reminded of the Lord’s promise to strengthen His people in times of conflict and adversity.

He assures them of victory over their enemies, for He is mighty to save and mighty in battle.

Though we may face trials and tribulations in this world, we can take courage knowing that the battle belongs to the Lord.

Our strength does not come from our own might or power, but from the indomitable spirit of God who dwells within us.

Therefore, let us gird ourselves with the armor of faith and press forward with confidence, knowing that the victory has already been won in Christ Jesus.

IV. The Gathering of His People: Unity and Restoration (Verses 8-12)

In the final verses of Zechariah 10, we behold a beautiful vision of God gathering His scattered people from the ends of the earth.

He promises to bring them back to the land of promise, where they will dwell in safety and security under His loving care.

This gathering signifies not only a physical restoration but also a spiritual renewal, as God reconciles His people to Himself and to one another.

As we look around us today, we see a world divided by strife and discord, but let us take heart in the promise of God to unite His children in love and fellowship.

Let us strive to be agents of reconciliation and peacemakers in a world desperately in need of God’s healing touch.

Conclusion:

As we reflect on the words of Zechariah 10, let us be reminded of the promise of restoration and renewal that God offers to each one of us.

In the midst of our dry and barren seasons, may we cry out to the Lord for His refreshing rain, knowing that He hears our prayers and delights to satisfy the longing of our souls.

Let us trust in His provision, draw strength from His mighty power, and rejoice in the unity of His people.

For in Him alone do we find true fulfillment and lasting joy.

May we walk in the assurance of His promises, now and forevermore.

-Pray

-Invitation