Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Glorious arrival of our lord

Zach. 14. 1-5

“Behold, a day is coming for the Lord, when the spoil taken from you will be divided in your”(1)
The theme and content of Zechariah, chapters 1 to 8 are different from chapters 9 to 14. In the first part, Prophet Zechariah equips the people of God to rebuild the Jerusalem Temple. Zerubabel, Joshua and Zechariah are the three main characters in that portion. But in the second part, there is no mentioning about these leaders. The second part is full of visions about future and many of them are messianic in nature. New Testament writers found many passages from Zechariah 9 to 14 had been fulfilled through Jesus’ triumphal entry to Jerusalem on Hosanna and the other events in the following days up to his crucifixion.

Arrival of God in the midst of disasters

For envisioning the future, prophet re-envisions the past. Jewish past memory as a nation about war and exile influences the prophet. Babylonian attack over Jerusalem in 587 BC, destroyed the first temple. The new temple had been completed by 515 BC. But there still existed the possibility of war. Impact of war is always devastating. It may lead to another exile (v.2). But everything is according to the knowledge of God. God is in control of the history. God himself gathers all nations against Jerusalem to battle. But there will be a remnant for God. Then God will go out and fight against these nations. The feet of the Lord shall stand on the Mount of Olives. The Mount of Olives stands opposite the temple area and is about 100 feet higher than Jerusalem. War was a reality for Jews as a nation. Jerusalem must pass through fire to be refined. Painful experiences are realities in human life, especially in Christian life. But God is controlling everything in our life. He manifests with glory in our toughest life situations.

Arrival of God and new way of reconciliation

“He will stand up by upon the Mount of Olives”- This was literally fulfilled when our Lord Jesus was often upon the Mount of Olives. His entry into Jerusalem as a king on Hosanna, started near the Mount of Olives. (Mark 11.1). He ascended up into heaven from there. (Acts 1:12). Through Jesus a new path of reconciliation and salvation has been started. Mount of Olives stood between Jerusalem and the Gentile world. Ephesians 2:14 says: “For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility….”The mountain being divided there shall be a great valley. It is a Broadway of communication opened between Jerusalem and the gentile world. This great valley is also a path of salvation. At the time of King Uzziah people flee from earthquake for life. Now people flee to salvation through the new way that is Jesus himself.
Prayer: Thank you God, for your presence in the toughest time of our life with all your glory. “Show to us ever the way of salvation.” Amen
Thought for the Day: In the toughest life situation God manifests his glory. Through Jesus Christ, a new way of salvation and reconciliation has been opened up.

Rev. Joe John, St James MTC, NY

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