Bible, Choices, Failures, Faith, God's Will, Holy Spirit, Imitation, Scripture

JUST LIKE DAVID

ZECHARIAH 12:8

“On that day the LORD will protect the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and the one who is feeble among them on that day will be like David, and the house of David will be like God, like the angel of the LORD before them.”

Most of us don’t like being compared to others, unless that comparison is flattering. Am I right? You don’t want to hear Carl, you remind me of Jack the Ripper. Not a good comparison. There are few comparisons out there that I would want to be attributed to, but even the best had their warts and failures.

David is once again the example Zechariah is using in today’s verse. He says the feeblest of the inhabitants will be a brave fighter like David. Then he says something that really amazes me. He says, “the house of David will be like God.” Now, he doesn’t mean that literally. He means they will be acting holy, recognizing all that God has done in and through them.

APPLICATION

I am reminded of Philippians 2:6. “who, as He already existed in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped.” We are urged to be like Jesus in our everyday encounters with others. We are told to have the same attitude as Christ. We are told to have the mind of Christ. Being Christlike should be our daily pursuit.

I don’t know about you, but I fail miserably. Just like David failed (remember Bathsheba?), we will fail also. The only thing that keeps me from doing that daily is my daily surrender to His Spirit. I allow Jesus to control my thoughts and actions. He has the control panel to my words and deeds. If I do that, I am just doing what He wants me to do.

You may think you are too weak a Christian to be used by Him. Hogwash! Just like the Lord used the feeble in Jerusalem as mighty warriors, He can use you to fight against the evils of this world. You just have to submit. Will you do that today? Be a willing servant, just like David.

Use me, Lord, to do whatever You want accomplished today.

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Allies, Battles, Bible, Commands, Danger, Encouragement, Enemies, God's Will, Scripture, Strength, Weakness

THE LEAST SHALL BE FIRST

ZECHARIAH 12:7

“The LORD also will save the tents of Judah first, so that the glory of the house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem will not be greater than Judah.”

There are stories all through the Bible of God using the smallest or youngest to achieve great things. One of the greatest is of David. He was the youngest of Jesse’s sons, but God chose him to be the second king of Israel. If you are the least bit familiar with the Old Testament, you have read of all David’s exploits and how the Lord used him.

Zechariah contrasts the tents of Judah with the inhabitants of Jerusalem. One scholar says this about this verse. “tents—shifting and insecure, as contrasted with the solid fortifications of Judah. But God chooses the weak to confound the mighty, that all human glorying may be set aside.” Don’t you just love that? He uses the weak to confound the mighty.

APPLICATION

We should never think we are too small or too weak or too old to be used by the Lord. 1 Corinthians 1:27 says, “but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong.” Everyone is useable by God.

Maybe you have a physical defect that you think prevents you from being used. Not so! David Ring is a very gifted evangelist who has cerebral palsy. He has multiple physical challenges, yet God has used him all over the world to lead others to Christ. He often makes this statement when he speaks. “I have Cerebral Palsy. What’s your problem?”

So, let me ask you. What is your problem? Why aren’t you allowing the Lord to use you? You have so much to offer. It’s not about you, though. It’s about Christ in you. When you yield to Him, He can take your weakest trait and magnify it into a useable skill. Just let Him use you to great and mighty things!

Father, I thank You for using me, despite my weaknesses.

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Abiding, Battles, Bible, Blessing, Destruction, Enemies, Fire, Oppression, Scripture

HOT TO THE TOUCH

ZECHARIAH 12:6

“‘On that day I will make the clans of Judah like a firepot among pieces of wood and a flaming torch among sheaves, so they will consume on the right and on the left all the surrounding peoples, while the inhabitants of Jerusalem again live on their own sites in Jerusalem.’”

I respect fire. I have seen the damage it can do to homes and communities. Several years ago, there was a fire here in TN that consumed acres and acres of forest as well as dozens of homes. The only way the firefighters could fight this fire was to try to contain it. It was a powerful force that reminded us of the power of nature.

The clans of Judah are compared to a firepot and a flaming torch. They would consume all their enemies around them. This victory over their enemies was not of their own doing. God did this. But He used them to accomplish it. Why? To build into them the faith they needed. He knew they would face other enemies in the future, and they needed this confidence.

APPLICATION

Are your enemies surrounding you? Do you feel outnumbered? Rest in this fact. God is with you. All those times you face that challenge and rely on Him, He comes through. Now, He isn’t going to make you a firepot or a flaming torch, but He will come alongside you and strengthen.

I must give you a warning here. When you think you can handle it on your own, beware. I Corinthians 10:12 says, “Now, if you think you are standing firm, be careful lest you fall.” In other words, don’t take on life’s challenges by yourself. When we come to our Savior for help, He is always there.

You may be saying, Well Carl, I have cried out to God for help over and over with no luck. Listen, when we are walking with the Lord and not trying to handle things ourselves, He is there. He wants to be there and care for you. Whatever you are facing today, give it to Him. Call on Him. He will carry you through.

Father God, let Your firepot and flaming torch burn away those things that surround me and want to harm me.

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Abiding, Advocate, Battles, Bible, Defense, Enemies, God's Will, Protection, Provision, Rescue, Salvation, Scripture

THE HAND OF GOD

ZECHARIAH 12:5

“‘Then the clans of Judah will say in their hearts, “The inhabitants of Jerusalem are a strong support for us through the LORD of armies, their God.”’”

There are times in our lives when the only way to explain something is to say, “God did that.” I have shared many times about my disease, Amyloidosis, and my two stem cell transplants (2010 and 2020). The only way to explain my healing is God’s hand was in it. He gave the doctors wisdom. He used the treatment to give me a “remission” from this disease for a while. I know He was the one who did that. There is no doubt.

I love this verse today in Zechariah. The “clans of Judah” refers to all the tribes. They all will realize on that day when Jerusalem is defended against their enemies that it was God’s hand and not theirs that did it. The “LORD of armies” did it, not their army. And by coming together and depending on Him, they will be successful.

APPLICATION

Guess what? Nothing’s changed. Isaiah 26:12 is a favorite verse of my boss. In the NIV it says, “LORD, you establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished You have done for us.” Isn’t that exactly what Zechariah is saying in verse 5 above. If we are honest, we will admit very quickly that anything that is good in us is just Jesus. I know that is true for me.

Yet, God continues to work in and through us to accomplish His will. As the writer of Hebrews closes his letter in Hebrews 13:20-21, he says, “20 Now may the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, that is, Jesus our Lord, 21  equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.”

One day, when I reach heaven, I will find out just what the Lord saw in us that moved Him to redeem us. We are His creation, the work of His hands. I get that. But our flesh is so corrupt and wicked outside of Christ. Only by Him working in us can we be made into a useable vessel, fit for His kingdom work. Praise Him!

Father, I know it is You Who works in and through me. I praise You for finding me worthy to be used by You.

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Abiding, Bible, God's Will, Promises, Rest, Striving

MADNESS

ZECHARIAH 12:4

“‘On that day,’ declares the LORD, ‘I will strike every horse with confusion and its rider with insanity. But I will watch over the house of Judah, while I strike every horse of the peoples with blindness.’”

There have been times, as hard as I try, I just can’t accomplish something. I give it my best efforts. I am fully prepared, but I just can’t get it done. When that happens, I have learned to stop and look at what I am trying to do. Is it in the Father’s will? Is this of my own doing? Almost every time I discover I have been trying to do something I have no business trying to do. It is not God’s plan for me, at least not at that time.

The prophecy of chapter 12 continues in verse 4 with the Lord declaring victory over the armies that will assail Israel. He will confuse their horses and riders, even to the point of striking the horses blind. Most scholars point towards the battle of Gog and Magog, in which Israel will be defended by the Lord against all the nations that will come against her. They were trying to do something that God would not allow. What a promise!

APPLICATION

What are you banging your head against right now? Perhaps you are considering a move, but you cannot get a peace about it. Maybe it’s a job change, but try as you might, nothing happens. It could be a relationship that needs healing. You’ve tried all your “magic,” but nothing works. It could be that now is not the time for this. For some reason, God is blocking or just not allowing it to happen.

Psalm 46:10 comes to mind. “‘Stop striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted on the earth.’” I love this translation. Some say, “Be still,” but I like “Stop striving.” The Hebrew word has the picture of relaxing, of sinking into a relaxed position. Wow! That sure gives you a great visual, doesn’t it?

When is the last time you did that? Have you truly rested in God’s decisions for your life? He wants you to place yourself completely at His mercy. He is holding you in His hands. Stop trying to achieve something that you have no business trying to achieve. Just like those riders and horses that were stopped cold in their tracks, God can stop you also. But when you trust Him and allow Him to direct you, things are so much more relaxing.

O Father, I have been struggling against Your will on some things. Forgive me and show me how to rest in You.

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Advocate, Battles, Bible, Defense, Encouragement, Foundation, Scripture, Security

HEAVY STONE

ZECHARIAH 12:3

“‘It will come about on that day that I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples; all who lift it will injure themselves severely. And all the nations of the earth will be gathered against it.’”

Sometimes you just have to move a heavy object. I have a piece of furniture in my home that is very heavy. When we moved into our current home, I enlisted several of my friends to help with the heavy stuff. I vividly remember several robust young men heaving this particular piece of furniture over the stair banister and lifting it up the stairs. It was a major effort. I think it will stay when we move.

The Lord describes Jerusalem as a heavy stone in today’s verse. It wasn’t that they were heavy. They were immovable. Jerusalem would also cause severe injury to all who tried to move it. In other words, God was protecting the city. It was not going to be moved by anyone. They were there to stay, secured by God. It was His power that kept it in place.

APPLICATION

The Lord is still keeping us secure. Did you know that? We are immovable because of Him. Our faith is secure. Ephesians 1:13-14 says, “In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.”

Just like Jerusalem was immovable, we are also because of His seal on us. Satan can buffet us and berate us, but we will not be moved. Don’t forget that. You may feel like you are falling apart, but you’re not. God’s got this. What He calls secure is secure.

I am so thankful for that security. Aren’t you? I am reminded of that security every time I read His Word. It is the anchor for my soul. Meditating and memorizing it brings me such confidence and peace. Have you experienced that? I hope so. If not, take some time today to dig into the Word. What you have just read is just a taste of what is to come.

O Lord, You are my security. You make me immovable.

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Advocate, Bible, Blessing, Covenant, Deliverance, God's Will, Protection, Safety, Scripture

TABLES TURNED

ZECHARIAH 12:2

“‘Behold, I am going to make Jerusalem a cup that causes staggering to all the peoples around; and when the siege is against Jerusalem, it will also be against Judah.’”

Have you ever intended to pull a prank on someone that backfired, and you ended up being the one pranked? It can happen. It is also possible that those nasty words you use against someone will come back to haunt you. Ricochets aren’t good. They can bring great harm on others and yourself.

Here in today’s verse, Zechariah begins his latest prophecy. Jerusalem is described as a cup which is now causing those who have been against her to stagger. We are seeing that today in the land of Israel. All around her, literally surrounding her, are nations that want to wipe her off the map. But God has caused them to be staggered. Beware to all those who oppose her.

APPLICATION

You can’t read this verse without looking at Isaiah 51:21-23.

“21 Therefore, listen to this, you afflicted, who are drunk, but not with wine: 22 This is what your Lord, the LORD, your God Who contends for His people says: ‘Behold, I have taken from your hand the cup of staggering, the chalice of My anger; you will never drink it again. 23 I will put it into the hand of your tormentors, who have said to you, “Lie down so that we may walk over you.” You have also made your back like the ground, and like the street for those who walk over it.’”

Zechariah has said almost the same thing. What do I get from this? God has His children’s back. We would do well to remember that. If we have evil intent against another believer, beware. God is their protector. And if others are trying to cause you harm, trust in the One Who has protected His children.

If you are like me, I have been the victim of some pretty harsh things in my life. When you choose to do what is right, you will anger some other people. Sometimes those are even other believers. 1 Peter 4:19 says, “So then, those who suffer according to God’s will, should entrust themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.” Can you say you are doing that.

I praise You, Father, for having my back and seeing me through life’s challenging moments.

(Praise the Lord for His faithfulness to me. This is blog #2800. God is so good!

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Abiding, Bible, Blessing, Creation, Faith, Glory, Holy Spirit, Obedience, Scripture

THINGS GOD DOES

ZECHARIAH 12:1

“The pronouncement of the word of the LORD concerning Israel: The LORD who stretches out the heavens, lays the foundation of the earth, and forms the spirit of a person within him, declares:”

Creation! Isn’t it amazing? I had the privilege recently to visit Newfoundland. One day we visited several sites in Western Newfoundland and saw majestic mountains, rocky shores and beautiful landscapes. My friend who accompanied me said several times, “How can anyone see this and not believe in a Grand Creator?” I agree.

Zechariah begins a new prophecy in chapter 12 and opens up by describing the Great Creator. Look at the verse again. God is the one who created the heavens (all the stars, the sun, the moon, etc.). He set the foundation of the earth (established boundaries for the seas and land, formed mountains and the landscape). He also formed man and placed a spirit in each. Just read Genesis 1:26-28. Look at all that God does.

APPLICATION

Just because God is finished creating, that does not mean He has stopped working. He is still very much at work in the world. We just have to open our eyes to see it. In Romans 1, Paul says it is apparent, if we look. Verse 20 says, “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, that is, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, being understood by what has been made, so that they are without excuse.”

Look at all the Lord is doing all around you. He has placed His Holy Spirit in you, if you are a believer. Do you get that? The Spirit of God dwells in you. 1 Corinthians 6:19 tells us, “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God,…” God loves you and wants to dwell within you. God is still at work.

So, if God is in you and is still at work, there is no limit to what you can do. But you must submit your will to His. Then He is able to work in and through you to accomplish great things. Jesus even told us we would do greater things than Him. Hard to believe, huh? But Jesus said it, so it has to be true. Let’s get to work with God today.

Father, I want to do Your will today. Use me as Your vessel.

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Bible, Dependence, Power, Scripture, Strength

POWERLESS

ZECHARIAH 11:17

“‘Woe to the worthless shepherd who abandons the flock! A sword will be on his arm and on his right eye! His arm will be totally withered, and his right eye will be blind.’”

I was in a hotel room recently that had some power issues. The coffee maker did not work, and the television did not work. They were both plugged in but had no power. I could not figure out how to fix it. So, I called maintenance. They were “Johnny on the spot” and came right up. He quickly diagnosed the problem and got them both working. A man has to have his coffee, right?

The Lord is speaking here in verse 17 today and describing the “worthless shepherd.” The right arm symbolized his strength and power. His right eye symbolized his knowledge or what he thought he knew. Both would be rendered powerless, according to the Lord. Many scholars think this shepherd represents the “abomination of desolation” that is described in 2 Thessalonians 2.

APPLICATION

Where does your power come from? Carl, I have been working out and having gotten so powerful. That is not what I am talking about. Physical strength is important to us, but our spiritual strength is so much more important. You cannot rely on your own strength. One of my favorite verses of Scripture is Philippians 4:13. “I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me.” Is that true of you?

When we rely on Christ for our strength, we do not have to worry about our right arm or our right eye. All our strength comes through Him. All our knowledge comes from Him. Through Him we can work and through Him we can see. Have you ever stopped to think that your powerlessness to face life’s challenges is because you are trying to do it in your own strength? So many of us do that.

It has taken me decades to realize that truth. Sure, I knew it intellectually. But only through the trials of life did I discover just how true it is. Earlier in Zechariah we saw another favorite verse of mine. Zechariah 4:6 tells us, “Then he said to me, ‘This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel, saying, “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,” says the LORD of armies.’” We should all learn to live by that.

Lord, I am powerless without You. Strengthen me according to Your power.

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Abiding, Accountability, Bible, Guilt, Scripture, Teaching

GOD’S TESTINGS

ZECHARIAH 11:16

“‘For behold, I am going to raise up a shepherd in the land who will not care for the perishing, seek the scattered, heal the broken, or provide for the one who is exhausted, but will devour the flesh of the fat sheep and tear off their hoofs.’”

I get asked a lot why God allows His children to be tested so much. These questions come from solid believers, people who truly love Jesus. Do you know what I tell them? I say, “I don’t know.” Isn’t that a great answer? Seriously, I don’t know, but I trust Him. I know He wants what is best for me. I may not see it now, but it’s coming.

The Lord, speaking through Zechariah, tells the people that He is going to raise up someone (or some nation) to test them. They will be scattered, stricken and left with no hope. Why? Because of their rebellion and lack of repentance. Sin will have its reward. That reward costs us – a lot. Israel’s sin was costly. Not a very encouraging word.

APPLICATION

Read Ezekiel 34:1-5. Zechariah seems to pulling from Ezekiel’s words. Look at verses 3-4. “3 You eat the fat and clothe yourselves with the wool, you slaughter the fat sheep without feeding the flock. 4 Those who are sickly you have not strengthened, the diseased you have not healed, the broken you have not bound up, the scattered you have not brought back, nor have you searched for the lost; but with force and with violence you have dominated them.”

Just who is Ezekiel and Zechariah talking about? The false prophets and religious leaders of the day were guilty of leading the people right into bondage. How? They were not teaching the people God’s commandments. They had gotten lazy and now the people were going to suffer.

Listen to me. If you are a leader or teacher in your church, you had better take it seriously. You are responsible, as a teacher, for every word that you teach. You can’t make the people follow it, but you have to teach it. Don’t be weak. Be bold and present the Word unfiltered.

Lord, keep me accountable to others for the words I use when I teach.

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