Accountability, Attitude, Bible, Boasting, Clothing, Deceit, Hiding, Humility, Scripture, Truth

NO MORE DISGUISES

ZECHARIAH 13:4

“‘Also it will come about on that day that the prophets will each be ashamed of his vision when he prophesies, and they will not put on a hairy robe in order to deceive;’”

People are so good at wearing disguises when it comes to their walk with Christ. We wear masks that show us smiling, when inside we are crying. We tell everyone we are fine, but really we are beaten down and low. Why do we do that? Why can’t we be real to each other? God sees right through these disguises. You can’t hide your true feelings from Him.

The prophets who had confessed their sin of falsehoods would be repentant, according to the Lord here in verse 4. They would not wear the traditional rough, hairy robe as a sign of humility. They had done that far too many times falsely. They wore that in the past to deceive the people. They had really been proud and arrogant, claiming to speak for God, when He had not spoken.

APPLICATION

I am reminded of Jesus saying in John 8:31-32, “‘31…If you continue in My word, then you are truly My disciples; 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’” Jesus did not expect us to hide our true feelings. There was no need to pretend with Him. Because He is the Truth, He expects us to live in the Truth. That means not wearing those disguises.

We do not need to pretend to be something we are not. But living this way makes you vulnerable. I know that is a risk. Revealing your true self can be risky. Do you trust the Lord? Do you think He wants you living in a way that is not true? I love what Peter says in 1 Peter 5:5. “…and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another,…”

Ah, there’s the risky part – being humble. See, those prophets the Lord was referring to in today’s verse were anything but humble when they were prophesying falsely and wearing that false robe of humility. Don’t go around wearing that either. But clothe yourself with true humility. Trust the Lord with your feelings. He can handle them.

O Lord, it is hard to let our guard down. Give us boldness to do so.

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Bible, Child Rearing, Children, Correction, Scripture, Teaching

PARENTAL INFLUENCE

ZECHARIAH 13:3

“‘And if anyone still prophesies, then his father and mother who gave birth to him will say to him, “You shall not live, because you have spoken falsely in the name of the LORD”; and his father and mother who gave birth to him shall pierce him through when he prophesies.’” 

As parents, we have the responsibility to teach and nurture our children. We have to hold them accountable and correct them when they stray. To do otherwise would be to condone or even encourage bad behavior. It’s never easy, but it is necessary. God has entrusted these lives to us and gives us His Word to guide us.

Today’s verse is harsh. False prophets were not to be tolerated. Even if it meant rebuking and denouncing your own child who was prophesying falsely, you were required to stand up to them. This comes from Deuteronomy 13:6-10. After addressing to whom this applies, Moses tells them in verses 10-11, “‘10 So you shall stone him to death, because he has attempted to drive you away from the LORD your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. 11 Then all Israel will hear about it and be afraid, and will not do such a wicked thing among you again.’” This is why they had such hard rules.

APPLICATION

Let me be quick to say that the Lord does not expect you to kill anyone. These were Old Testament laws under the Mosaic covenant. We are under a new covenant through the blood of Jesus. He has paid the price for every man’s sins, if they will only turn to Him, repent and believe. We, however, are expected to teach and train our children in the Word of God. And if they decide to rebel against it, we hold them accountable.

Too many parents today are far too permissive in their child rearing. They let the child decide what they think is best. We don’t want to influence their decisions. Listen closely when I say that is a lie from the devil. We are most definitely supposed to influence their decisions toward Christ. How we handle this responsibility can and will directly affect your child’s trajectory in life.

Now, you may do your best and your child may still rebel. That is between them and God. But you have to do your part. Parents, be bold. Be brave. Teach your children from the Word each day. When they stray, correct them quickly. Correct them consistently. Above all, show them Christ’s love. Plant the seed deep. He will make it grow.

Father, give parents the boldness to teach their children Your truths and hold them to it.

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Bible, Choices, Distractions, God's Will, Godliness, Obedience, Protection, Salvation, Scripture

DON’T EVEN SAY THEIR NAME

ZECHARIAH 13:2

“‘And it will come about on that day,’ declares the LORD of armies, ‘that I will eliminate the names of the idols from the land, and they will no longer be remembered; and I will also remove the prophets and the unclean spirit from the land.’” 

If I told you right now to not think about ice cream, what are you thinking about? Ice cream! You can’t help yourself. When a thought is planted in your mind, your mind just goes there. I have a friend who is an Illusionist. He is good at this. He will have you thinking he can read your mind, but all he is doing is planting thoughts in your head which lead right to what he wants you think. Pretty smooth.

The Lord, through Zechariah, is telling the people He does not even want the names of the false gods mentioned in the land. He is going to remove all mention of them to prevent the people from going towards them. Along with that, He is also going to remove all the false prophets who played into the craving of the people to “know their future.” The Lord is going to clean house.

APPLICATION

We have a practice in my ministry which we teach men who have an addiction to pornography or another unhealthy practice. We teach them to amputate this source. Just like a diseased or damaged arm or leg that has to be removed to protect the rest of the body, we have to amputate those things in our life that lead us astray. We can’t even give them a thought.

2 Corinthians 10:5 tells us to take every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ. That’s the idea here. We must destroy any concept of this wrong thinking. That may mean some radical changes in your life. It may mean giving up certain types of movies or television programs. It may mean eliminating some friends you hang out with. Remember – amputation is about saving yourself.

When I think back on my decisions after coming to Christ, I had to stop hanging with some of the crowd I had been running with. I knew where that would lead if I did not make some changes. Is there something in your life that you need to amputate? Don’t wait. It will not bring your closer to Christ. Just the opposite! Cut it away now!

Father, help me rid myself of any “idols” or “false prophets” who only want to drag me down.

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Abundance, Bible, Cleansing, Flowing, Forgiveness, Salvation, Scripture

FOUNTAIN OF LIVING WATER

ZECHARIAH 13:1

“‘On that day a fountain will be opened for the house of David and for the inhabitants of Jerusalem, for sin and for defilement.’”

Have you ever seen a fountain that is fed by an underground stream or spring? The water flows constantly and is clean and sweet. I have a tendency to want to find the cutoff valve, but this water is ever flowing. The source comes from deep within the earth. It is a source of refreshment for whoever or whatever comes upon it.

The Lord is speaking here in verse 1 of chapter 13. He tells us there would be a fountain for the house of David and Jerusalem. This fountain would be a source for cleansing of sins. We know water was used in the Levitical law for cleansing of sins. Just read through Numbers 19 to see that. There are several ceremonial uses of water for cleansing. The difference here in Zechariah, however, is this cleansing is permanent.

APPLICATION

We are washed by a fountain also – a fountain of blood from Emanuel’s veins. Christ died and shed His divine blood for the remission of our sins. We don’t have to ceremonially wash in water to remove our sins from us. We observe baptism with water to show outwardly what has occurred inwardly.

The priests had to repeat their ceremonial cleansing with water for themselves and the people. Our cleansing is one and done. When accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we are cleansed from all our sins – past, present and future. We are free from the penalty and power of sin in our lives. The fountain we run to is Jesus. His forgiveness is ever flowing. It never ceases.

I am so thankful for the assurance of that fountain of forgiveness in my life. I am so glad I don’t have to go back every day for a new cleansing. Now, I do ask for forgiveness for sins I commit because I want to walk in holiness with Him. But those sins are already under the blood. I just have to acknowledge them to Him. His forgiveness is always there. Have you come to Him lately?

There is a fountain filled with blood, drawn from Emanuel’s vein. And sinners plunged beneath that flood lose all their guilty stains.

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Affection, Bible, Death, Emotions, Gentleness, Joy, Mourning, Scripture, Sorrow, Tears

MOURNING – NOT JUST A WOMAN THING

ZECHARIAH 12:14

“all the families that are left, every family by itself, and their wives by themselves.”

Okay, let me ask you something. How many of you grew up being told that real men don’t cry? I can remember my own, dear mother telling me, “Now, now, big boys don’t cry.” I know she meant well and was just trying to comfort me. After all, no one wants to be a cry baby, right? But emotions are felt by all.

In Zechariah 12:12-14, Zechariah says five times, “and their wives by themselves.” Now no one during those days would have been surprised by that. In fact, there were women who were professional mourners. So, why does Zechariah point the women out. Perhaps he wanted to say that so that it would highlight the other mourners, the men. Mind you – this is just my speculation, but it is a thought.

APPLICATION

Let me address the men today. Listen to me – big boys do cry. There is nothing weak about shedding a tear. There is nothing unmanly about showing sorrow and grief. In fact, one of the manliest things you can do is show appropriate emotion when it is called for.

Do I have to remind you of John 11:35. “Jesus wept.” Our Lord and Savior wept at the grave of his dear friend Lazarus. He did not weep because of Lazarus’ death. That would soon be overturned. He knew before He even left for Bethany that He would call forth Lazarus from that tomb. He wept because of the sorrow He saw in the faces of Mary and Martha and others. His heart was touched by that.

I used to get asked to sing a lot at funerals. I seldom had a problem doing that without getting choked up, even if I knew the person well. But if I started looking at the loved ones as I sang, I could easily get teary eyed. Sorrow and grief, men, is a natural emotion God has given us. Show other men how powerful it can be in their lives as you love on others during these times.

Father, thank You for the power of sorrow. It prepares the way for joy!

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Belief, Bible, Death, Grief, Scripture, Sorrow, Uncategorized, Worship

WORSHIPFUL MOURNING

ZECHARIAH 12:13

“the family of the house of Levi by itself and their wives by themselves; the family of the Shimeites by itself and their wives by themselves;”

As a minister for over four decades, I have had ample opportunities to come alongside a family or individual during their time of loss. There are few moments as tender as when you are standing beside someone as their loved one transitions from this life to the next. As much as you pray beforehand and prepare for the moment, there is still a huge jolt for them as that time arrives. Real ministry is done at these times.

Why do I mention that? Because in today’s verse, Zechariah mentions the house of Levi and the Shimeites. These were part of the priestly line in Judah and are representative of that group. Mourning (the theme the past few verses) was not just a national thing or even a personal thing. It is a worshipful moment. The priests knew that and could show the people how to mourn and give God praise.

APPLICATION

We are to give praise in all things. I know! I know! That is easier said than done. But if God tells us we can do something, then it is possible. James 1:2-4 tells us, “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith will produce endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”

So, how do you give praise, how do you worship and mourn at the same time? You point all your grief heavenward. You acknowledge your God above all things. There is probably one of the best illustrations of this in the book of Job. After Job has suffered great loss (property, livestock and all of his children), this is what happens in Job 1:20-22.

“20 Then Job got up, tore his robe, and shaved his head; then he fell to the ground and worshiped. 21 He said, ‘Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I shall return there. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD.’ 22 Despite all this, Job did not sin, nor did he blame God.”

Don’t miss that last line – “nor did he blame God.” Remember, as you worship in your mourning that God never inflicts harm on His children. He only wants to comfort and console us during these times of grief. Mourn, for sure, but as you do, worship the Lord Almighty who is and was and is to come.

Father, I worship You, no matter my circumstance, no matter my grief.

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Bible, Comfort, Death, Grief, Holy Spirit, Mourning, Scripture

INDIVIDUAL MOURNING

ZECHARIAH 12:12

“‘The land will mourn, every family by itself; the family of the house of David by itself and their wives by themselves; the family of the house of Nathan by itself and their wives by themselves;’”

Mourning is a family affair. When a loved one passes, the whole family comes together to remember them, to share stories, to laugh and to cry. But in all my mourning experiences, it has also been my private mourning. I have mourned the death of a child, my dad, my mom, my brother and both my in-laws. Each death caused me to search my own heart to find the comfort from Christ.

Zechariah continues his thought on mourning in verse 12, but this time he turns to individual families. He looks at the house of David and also the house of Nathan. Who is this Nathan? 1 Chronicles 3:5 says, “These were the children born to him in Jerusalem: Shimea, Shobab, Nathan, and Solomon, four by Bath-shua the daughter of Ammiel;” So, Nathan was David’s son, the brother of Solomon. You see, this mourning had to be individual, not just a national mourning, but a family mourning.

APPLICATION

Or role as believers in this grief process is to be real. We don’t need to hide our tears. Believe me, that is not possible with me. I am Mr. Waterworks, lol. Be transparent without being dramatic. Go to the Psalms. They are full of words to comfort during these times. Psalm 34:18 is one of those verses. “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

Here’s another one. Psalm 147:3 tells us, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” The point is this – His Word has the power to heal that gaping wound in your chest when your loved one is gone. Only Jesus can soothe you. No prescription, no counselor, no support group (and these are all fine and good things to tap into, if needed) will ultimately heal you. Only Jesus.

In all my grieving moments, nothing brought me more peace than to get alone with my God and talk to Him, knowing He was listening. God speaks to us if we will listen. His Spirit speaks to our spirit. I don’t understand how the heavenly cell service works. I just know it does. Spend some time listening today.

O Lord, I thank You that in my times of grief, You show up and take me into Your arms.

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Belief, Bible, Eternity, Heaven, Mourning, Rejoicing, Scripture

WHAT A SAD, SAD DAY

ZECHARIAH 12:11

“‘On that day the mourning in Jerusalem will be great, like the mourning of Hadadrimmon in the plain of Megiddo.’”

Why do we mourn so severely when a loved one leaves this earth behind? If they are a believer, they are in the arms of their Savior where they wanted to be. We mourn because of our loss, not theirs. We don’t mourn for what they are missing here. We mourn because we no longer have them by our side. We miss their presence. We mourn the void that is left behind.

Today’s verse compares the mourning of Israel’s future Messiah’s death with the mourning that took place at the death of King Josiah, Judah’s most beloved king. The place mentioned, Hadadrimmon, is the location where Josiah was wounded in battle, a wound that would take his life. He was a great king because of his piety and love for the Lord. 2 Chronicles 35:25 tells us about this. “Then Jeremiah chanted a song of mourning for Josiah. And all the male and female singers speak about Josiah in their songs of mourning to this day.”

APPLICATION

When I think about mourning or grief, I can’t help but think about 1 Thessalonians 4:13. “But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as indeed the rest of mankind do, who have no hope.” O brothers and sisters, just look at that verse. Sure, we grieve over a loved one’s homegoing, but we rejoice also. We know where they are.

Similarly, our Messiah, who was crucified and buried, did not remain there. He is alive today. Our mourning over the death of our Lord is quickly eradicated by the joy we have in knowing He reigns eternally. His resurrection, His defeat of death, gives us the promise of eternal life.

We will mourn here on earth. There is no escaping that. But let us mourn with hope, knowing we will see our loved ones again, if they have placed their faith in Jesus. That behooves us to make sure they all know Him, right? Let’s be diligent to share Jesus with all people, especially those of our own household.

You turn my tears into laughter and my mourning into joy.

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Bible, Blessing, Forgiveness, Grace, Salvation, Scripture

POURED OUT GRACE

ZECHARIAH 12:10

“‘And I will pour out on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and of pleading, so that they will look at Me whom they pierced; and they will mourn for Him, like one mourning for an only son, and they will weep bitterly over Him like the bitter weeping over a firstborn.’”

Oh wow! I can so remember the day I got saved. I have shared my salvation experience before, but this verse reminded me of that day. I truly felt the grace of God poured over me that day. There have been times since then when I felt waves of grace flow over me when I needed it most. Every time that happens, it points me more and more to Jesus.

Reread today’s verse with Jesus on the cross on your mind. Isn’t that exactly what God did that day for Jerusalem? He poured out His grace on them. They did pierce Him. And those who followed Jesus and received this free grace mourned for Him. Zechariah even uses the words “an only son.” Zechariah is pointing the nation to their future Messiah.

APPLICATION

I want you to reflect on your salvation today (if you are not a believer, I’ll get to you in a minute, but keep reading). Do you remember the depth of your longing for cleansing? Do you remember how damaged you were in your sins? That flood of grace that poured over you that day is still flowing. 2 Corinthians 9:8 says, “And God is able to make all grace overflow to you, so that, always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed;”

I think of that old hymn, “Grace, Grace, God’s grace. Grace that will pardon and cleanse within.” It goes on to say, “Grace that is greater than all our sin.” The waves of grace that are poured over you can wash away any and all sin in your life. That should lead you to praise Him today.

Now, if you have been reading this and do not know that grace, turn to Him now. Confess your sins. Admit you are a sinner in need of a Savior. Confess your belief in Jesus as God’s only Son and receive this overflowing grace into your life. Walk in victory, knowing you are now a child of the King. Praise God!

O Father, Your grace is sufficient and great. It is more than adequate to meet my deepest need.

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Bible, Devil, Forgiveness, Humility, Scripture, Sin, Trials, Trouble, Warnings

YOU’VE BEEN WARNED

ZECHARIAH 12:9

“And on that day I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.”

We receive all kinds of warnings in this life. Our automobiles have warning lights and sounds. We see lights flashing from emergency vehicles that give us warning. You may live in a region where you have tornado sirens to warn you of an impending storm. If we are wise, we will heed those warnings and take appropriate action.

The nations have been warned. Do not come against Jerusalem. Do not attack God’s chosen people. I believe this warning is still in place. Israel is still precious to our God. He still longs to see His people redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. So, He is still protecting her to the end. We may not live to see the miraculous protection of Israel from her enemies, but I believe God is faithful to His words spoken right here in verse 9.

APPLICATION

Here are six warnings Scripture gives us which we need to pay attention to.

  1. Sin – Jesus said in John 8:34, “Jesus answered them, ‘Truly, truly I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin.’” We are to avoid sin at all costs, not just excuse it.
  2. The devil – Too often we don’t take the devil seriously. We “don’t go in for all that super spiritual stuff.” Well, he’s real and has you in his crosshairs. Remember he even tempted Jesus in the wilderness.
  3. Stuff – Matthew 6:19 Jesus tells us, “‘Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.’”
  4. False teaching – We are warned over and over about this in the Scriptures. 2 Peter 1:19 warns us “And so we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts.”
  5. Judging others wrongly – In Matthew 7:1-5, Jesus tells us not to judge someone else when we are guilty of the same or worse sin.
  6. The lack of humility – Oh, this is a big one for most of us. But the Bible is plain on this. Both James (James 4:6) and Peter (1 Peter 5:5) tell us that God is opposed to the proud but gives grace to the humble.

Father, help me heed these warnings today. I want to walk in a manner worthy of You.

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