Devotional 12-2-08

Zechariah 14:1-9

In order to understand today’s lectionary reading it is helpful to view it in its historical context. The Old Testament Book of Zechariah was written in Palestine sometime between approximately 557 B.C. and 525 B.C. Zechariah was on of three prophets after the exile (Haggai and Malachi were the other two). He begins the Book with a series of ten clear visions and prophecies. The Book is Messianic in message, describing, among other things, the Grecian empire under the Antichrist, the Battle of Armageddon, the re-gathering of Israel in the last days, and the final triumph and reign of the Messiah over all nations.

Verse one (1) of our scripture, commences with the day of the Lord. This is the second advent of the Messiah, and this day lasts until the end of the Millennium. After this day is finished, the day of God begins and continues through eternity.

How do the 2500-year old writings of Zechariah impact our lives and how are they meaningful for us? It is certainly easy in light of the recent history in the Middle East to believe that these ancient prophecies are a forecast of our future. However I am not sure that his visions are necessarily applicable to the current turbulent conditions in Israel and the surrounding areas, or that they are a prediction of specific military and political actions.

Theological scholars suggest that the writings of Zechariah were meant to encourage the people of Judah that they would be restored to their homeland after the captivity in Babylon. I believe that we can also draw inspiration from these writings. When verse 8 of the scripture states that “living waters shall go out from Jerusalem…” and verse 9 prophesies that the “Lord shall be King over all the earth…” we can be assured of the ultimate triumph of God over the forces of evil in our lives as well.

Lee Oxley