Day 269

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Scripture

September 25—Zechariah 5-6: Scrolls, Chariots and Crowns

Observation

The colorful visions of Zechariah now take on both national and international overtones. The flying scroll signifies the judgment of personal sin (5:1-4); the woman in the basket personifies the sins of Judah being removed (5:5-11); the four chariots inaugurate God's judgment upon the sins of the whole earth (6:1-8); and the crowning of Joshua the priest pictures the coming of another Priest and King, the Messiah, the ultimate expression of God's favor and glory (6:9-15).

Zechariah is considered the Temple-Minded Prophet. Skim quickly through Zechariah's visions, looking for references and allusions to the temple and proper worship (remember, the rebuilding of the temple was Zechariah's primary concern). In the eight "night visions" (1-6), how many direct and indirect references to the temple and temple worship can you find?

Application

As you read through today's passage, you may find yourself wishing that God would communicate with you the same way he did with Zechariah.

Think of it as technicolor visions, complete with divine commentary! A flying scroll perhaps even sent to your doorstep with easy-to-follow instructions for solving problems, making important decisions, and discerning God's will on a matter.

But perhaps you never realized that God has provided guidance like that already! You have the Word of God, the revelation of God's moral laws and principles for living your life according to his divine "blueprint." Then there's the Spirit of God, the promised Companion God has sent to be your Teacher, Comforter and Guide (John 14:26; 16:7). Add to that the people of God, others in the body of Christ whom God has gifted as teachers, pastors, counselors and encouragers and you have an impressive array of tools for finding God's will for your life without the aid of a single chariot!

And when you have ears to listen with, it's amazing how often and how clearly God can and will speak to you!

Prayer

Dear God, guide us in our prayers to you and in our Bible reading so that we may discover your will for us each day. We know that prayer invariably generates a love for your Word and puts an unspeakable joy into the obedient heart. We whole heartedly welcome the Holy Spirit to be our teacher, comforter and to guide us through this life. We want to be encouragers for those in need of your gentle love and kindness. Help us O Lord to speak and write the exact words that would effect the Good News in the hearts of everyone we encounter. In our Savior Jesus' name! Amen!

God's Love for the World!



© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2020

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