They will pass through the sea of trouble; the surging sea will be subdued and all the depths of the Nile will dry up. Assyria’s pride will be brought down and Egypt’s scepter will pass away. I will strengthen them in the LORD and in His name they will walk,’ declares the LORD. Zechariah 10:11-12 (Zechariah 9-14)
Zechariah’s prophecies give the clearest picture of the life and death of the Messiah. He tells of a King that comes gently in peace, riding on a donkey, he mentions the 30 pieces of silver of Judas’ betrayal, and he speaks of the One that is pierced. The Gospels apply these words to the life and death of Christ. There is no one in the history of the world that fits Zechariah’s foretelling other that Jesus, Son of man and Son of God.
God’s people have suffered slaughter at the hands of false leaders. These shepherds rejected the Good Shepherd. Extensive evidence and references to the future are given in these final words of Zechariah. The Greek wars come 200 years after Zechariah’s death, Judah’s struggle with Alexander the Great, and on into the Maccabean period are described. Shortly after Jesus’ death Jerusalem was completely destroyed by Rome and the Jews were once again dispersed because they scorned and murdered The Prince of Peace. The leaders of the church, the shepherds, had evil agendas.
Idols are inanimate objects, they do not see, hear, love, hate or act. God alone brings spring rain and breaks the drought. It is He who provides life through earth’s seasons and the Blood of His own Son. We associate Jesus with Christmas and Easter, planning celebrations months in advance. I secretly buy gifts and organize occasions to bring delight and strengthen those I love most. BUT! Then I can’t wait, so I let the big secret out of the bag. No one is surprised on Christmas morning. Just like the words of Zechariah, God wanted them to know He had great things waiting for the right season and He just had to let them know. He is letting you know too. He’s got this!
Love,
Gretchen