Today's reading tells us of the eight visions of Zechariah which the Lord brought to him while the temple was being rebuilt. The visions all seem to be an assurance to to Zechariah that the Lord is in this work and that it will succeed.
Israel will be restored to prosperity. Israel's oppressors will be punished. God will be among His returning people. The sins of the people will be removed by someone called The Branch. God will complete this temple through His anointed ones. The wicked will always be punished. Wicked nations will be destroyed. There will be peace at last.
But our focus verses are no vision. They are a directive from the Lord.
The gold and silver are real metals, the crown is a real diadem, Joshua is a real person, a high priest. And this coronation is a foreshadowing of Christ. In Hebrew the name Joshua (the Lord saves) is the root of the name Jesus. Personally, I don't think this is a coincidence.
This crown is to be retained in the temple of the Lord. It is a memorial - a promise - that there will be another anointed and crowned who will rule in all harmony. All this is to be if the people will diligently obey the Lord.
Notice how often God's promises are tied to diligent obedience. Study, praise, sacrifice all have their place. But obedience is the cornerstone of fidelity to the Lord.
Father, God,
We thank You for Your promises of presence and restoration. We thank You for Your Son as the means of salvation. Help us to be obedient at all times and in all places.
In Jesus' most precious name.
Amen.
Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment