The Future of God’s House and People: The Message of Zechariah - Cameron Jungles - 8-28-2013

The Future of God’s House and People: The Message of Zechariah(Eastside Baptist/Wed PM/August 28, 2013)Setting and ContextZechariah the prophet“Yahweh Remembers”Ministered in Jerusalem after the return from exileContemporary of HaggaiPriestNov 520 to Dec 518 B.C.Discouragement from oppositionComplacency of selfishnessTemptation to return to old sins that sent them to exileDaunting task of rebuildingMessage : God has not forsaken his city, temple, or people.Structure & MessageZechariah the Prophet (1:1)Call to Repentance(1:2-6)Don’t be like your ancestors who refused to listen to the prophets.They died and went into exile.Return to the Lord.8 Night Visions (1:7-6:15)1: The Lord is returning to Jerusalem – build his house!2 & 3: God will deal with external opposition, including judgment of Judah’s enemies.4 & 5: God is with Judah’s leadership: Joshua and Zerubbabel.6 & 7: God will deal with internal opposition, including banishing evil from Judah.8: God has provided rest from enemies - build his house!Night visions were given to comfort and encourage God’s people to rebuild his temple; he is with them and has not forsaken them.True Fasting and Future blessing of Jerusalem (7:1-8:23)Fasting without obedience is meaningless.True fasting is accompanied by justice, love, and mercy.Promise of future blessing on God’s holy city of Jerusalem.Zion’s King and Glorious Future for God’s People (9:1-11:17)Judgment on the nationsRestoration of Davidic King and reunification of God’s peopleGod’s true Shepherd King will be rejected by the people (11:7-13).Final Triumph of God’s King (12:1-14:21)Suffering shepherd who is killedIn the end, God’s Kingdom will defeat all foes and will rule the whole world eternally in peace.Important ThemesGod is faithful to his covenant and has not abandoned his people. He restores them by grace.God brings comfort and encouragement to the weary.God values his presence among his people. He will dwell with them and be their God.God calls for his people to repent, be spiritually renewed, and obey his commands.God will judge his (and his peoples’) enemies.God will establish his universal, eternal kingdom of peace through his righteous, suffering Shepherd King.“Jesus Lens” and ApplicationThe temple that Zechariah was encouraging the people to build is fulfilled in a greater way in Jesus, “God with us” (Jn. 1:14)Zechariah’s future Shepherd King who will be rejected but who will ultimately rule is none other than Jesus Christ.Zechariah’s prophecies of the Messiah entail a two stage “coming” – fulfilled in a suffering and reigning Shepherd King.We are called to build God’s house, the church of Jesus.We are called to a life of peace, righteousness, justice, and mercy.

Zechariah 4 v6 Venlon Bradford 4-6-2011.mp3

An expository teaching on Zechariah 4 v6 presented by Venlon Bradford of Winfield Eastside Baptist Church located in Winfield, Alabama