"The Angel Among the Myrtle Trees: God's Authority and Peace"

"The Angel Among the Myrtle Trees: God's Authority and Peace"

Zechariah 1:11 (NKJV) 11 So they answered the Angel of the LORD, who stood among the myrtle trees, and said, "We have walked to and fro throughout the earth, and behold, all the earth is resting quietly."

1. The Angel of the LORD: A Presence in Our Midst

Key Scripture: Zechariah 1:11

Illustration: even in difficult times you can feel God's presence, similar to the angel's presence among the trees. David feeling God’s presence in a dark valley, like in Psalm 23:4 ("Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me"). Or A missionary stranded in a remote area sensing divine protection during an ambush.

Supporting Scripture:

Matthew 1:23 (NKJV) "Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, "God with us." ("Immanuel—'God with us'")

Exodus 23:20 ("Behold, I send an Angel before you to keep you in the way...").

Matthew 28:20 ("...I am with you always, even to the end of the age.").

Application: God is present even in our challenges, just as the Angel of the LORD stood in the midst of His people in a troubled time. God’s presence isn’t far; He stands "among the myrtle trees" of our lives, even in uncertain times.

2. The Myrtle Trees: Symbols of Humility and Renewal

Key Point: The myrtle tree, a small, evergreen plant, represents humility and renewal in the Bible.

Illustration: Use the story of a community rebuilding after a natural disaster, symbolizing growth and restoration.

Supporting Scripture:

Isaiah 55:13 ("Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle...").

Isaiah 41:19-20 ("I will plant in the wilderness the cedar and the myrtle...").

1 Peter 5:6 ("Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time").

Application: We must encourage each other and trust in God's power to renew and restore. Just as the myrtle grows quietly and steadily, God works in our lives through humility and renewal, even when growth seems invisible.

3. "We Have Walked to and Fro": God Sees Everything

Key Scripture: Zechariah 1:11

Illustration: Compare this to a parent watching over children at a playground, ensuring safety even from a distance. I can compare this to security cameras monitoring every corner of a store, ensuring no incident escapes notice.

Supporting Scripture:

2 Chronicles 16:9 ("The eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth...").

Job 1:7 ("The LORD said to Satan, 'From where do you come?' So Satan answered... 'From going to and fro on the earth'").

Proverbs 15:3 ("The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.").

Application: God sees all, understands all, and is actively engaged in your lives. God sees every situation, and His watchful dominance assures us He is in control, even when we cannot see Him working.

4. "All the Earth is Resting Quietly": Superficial Peace vs. True Peace

Key Point: Though peace seems present, it may be superficial or temporary; God's ultimate peace comes through Christ.

]Illustration: Contrast worldly peace (e.g., a ceasefire) with the deep peace of knowing Christ.

Supporting Scripture:

John 14:27 ("Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you...").

1 Thessalonians 5:3 ("For when they say, 'Peace and safety!' then sudden destruction comes...").

Philippians 4:7 ("...the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds...").

Application: We must seek God's peace, which surpasses human understanding. Surface-level peace, like the nations in Zechariah’s time, is temporary. True peace comes only through Jesus Christ. Is the Prince of peace.

5. God’s Encouragement to His People in Hard Times

Key Point: The angel's report signifies that nothing is hidden from God; His plans are unfolding.

Illustration: Share a testimony about someone who trusted God's timing and saw His plan revealed. Like a football coach rallying a losing team at halftime, reminding them of their potential and encouraging perseverance.

Supporting Scripture:

Jeremiah 29:11 ("For I know the plans I have for you...").

Haggai 2:4-5 ("Be strong... for I am with you, says the LORD of hosts.").

Isaiah 40:29-31 ("He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength...").

Application: We must trust in God's plan, even when life seems uncertain. In times of discouragement or spiritual exile, God provides encouragement through His Word, His Spirit, and His messengers.

6. The Context: A Call to Rebuild and Restore

Key Point: Zechariah's vision came during a time of rebuilding after exile. God’s message was one of encouragement.

Illustration: Compare the rebuilding of our kitchen to modern day technology we have had setbacks $$$. Use the image of a GPS system recalculating a route when a detour occurs—God’s plan adjusts but never fails.

Supporting Scripture:

Haggai 2:9 ("The glory of this latter temple shall be greater than the former...").

Romans 8:28 ("And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God...").

Jeremiah 1:12 ("...for I am watching over My word to perform it").

Application: This is a call to rebuild your spiritual lives and renew your commitment to God. God’s plans are not hindered by human actions or circumstances. Trust that His promises are true, even when fulfillment seems delayed.

· 7. The Angel of the LORD: A Foreshadowing of Christ’s Role

Key Point: Many theologians see the Angel of the LORD as a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ.

Illustration: Picture this a artist sketching the outline of a masterpiece before filling in the vibrant details. The Angel of the LORD is the sketch, and Christ is the completed work.

Supporting Scripture:

Revelation 22:16 ("I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star").

John 1:14 ("And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us...").

Revelation 19:11 ("Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True...").

Application: Lead into a call for salvation, showing how Christ fulfills God’s promise of peace and renewal.

Romans 10:13 (NKJV) For "whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved."

Closing Challenge and Call to Action

Encourage the congregation to rest in God's presence, trust in His plans, and seek His peace. Invite them to reflect on areas where they need spiritual rebuilding or renewal, Revival.

Optional Illustrative Conclusion: Share a visual metaphor, such as planting a small tree (like a myrtle) to symbolize growth, hope, and humility under God's care.