Zachariah Sermon
We in this church are blessed. On a regular basis, the Holy Spirit moves in such a way that all three messages are connected. Either all three morning speakers preach the same message or one message will build on the next. The same thing happened this week during Wednesday evening prayer. A number of occasions, the person leading prayer would say the words "Lord, I want to remind you of this prophecy…" Or "Lord, I want to remind you of that your words says…"
I believe the words that prophetic pastor spoke an anniversary Sunday are coming to fruition. We, the people of Ekkesia are moving to a new place of authority in intercession. The focus of many prayers on Wednesday were global concerns. Among other things, we pray for our government, the soldiers on the battlefield in Iraq, those who were suffering the effects of hurricanes, floods, and mining disasters. We prayed for the economy and the people of this nation who are encumbered by debt.
In my study time this week, I have been scouring the Old Testament book of Zechariah. Initially it was a difficult read, because it prophesies many of the same things that John reveals in the book of Revelations. It also prophesies the destruction of the Temple in 70 A.D.. So scholars have debated whether certain references point to end times or have already taken place. As I sat down to prepare this lesson, I was mindful of the parallel between Zechariah and Wednesday’s evening prayer meeting. Both called for a restoration of divine order, and manifestation of God's kingdom here on earth for a church in need of getting its act together before Messiah returns.
This morning I went to share with you some insights in the book of Zechariah.
§ The author of the book, Zechariah was a priest. According to Jewish tradition, he was a member of the great Synagogue. A great Synagogue was a council of 120 priests started by Nehemiah and led by the high priest Ezra. By the time Jesus came to earth this council had developed into the Sanhedrin composed of priests, Pharisees, and Sadducees.
§ Zechariah is unique among the other exile writers who returned to Jerusalem, because he was born in Babylon. He was part of the 1st group of 50,000 to return – the same group who began rebuilding the temple only to abandon their work when opposition from their neighbors increased.
§ His openings words, date from 520 B.C. or the second year of Darius I.
§ Zechariah was a contemporary of Haggai. In fact Zechariah began preaching only two months after Haggai.
§ Haggai rallied the people to commit to rebuilding the temple by pointing out their sin and lack of trust in God. You might say he was an old fashion revivalist.
§ Zachariah on the other hand took a more encouraging role, more like a pastor. His emphasis was on the future and the promised Messiah. So they were building the temple not only for themselves but those whi would come after them.
o Zachariah reminded the people of their covenant relationship with God and that He would restore and bless them.
§ Interestingly the name Zachariah means “the Lord remembers”.
§ This book is the most messianic, apocalyptic, and eschatological in the OT.
§ Primarily, it is a prophecy about Jesus Christ, focusing on His coming glory as a means to comfort Israel (cf. 1:13,17). While the book is filled with visions, prophecies, signs, celestial visitors, and the voice of God, it is also practical, dealing with issues like repentance, divine care, salvation, and holy living. Prophecy was soon to be silent for more than 400 years until John the Baptist, so God used Zechariah to bring a rich, abundant outburst of promise for the future to sustain the faithful remnant through those silent years.
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