"The Four Chariots"

 

Zechariah 6:1-8 "And I turned, and lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came four chariots out from between two mountains; and the mountains were mountains of brass. In the first chariot were red horses; and in the second chariot black horses; and in the third chariot white horses; and in the fourth chariot grisled and bay horses. Then I answered and said unto the angel that talked with me, What are these my lord ?

And the angel answered and said unto me, These are the four spirits of the heavens, which go forth from standing before the LORD of all the Earth. The black horses which are therein go forth into the north country; and the white go forth after them; and the grisled go forth toward the south country. And the bay went forth, and sought to go that they might walk to and from through the Earth: and he said, Get you hence, walk to and fro through the Earth. So they walked to and fro through the Earth. Then cried he upon me, and spake unto me, saying, Behold, these that go toward the north country have quieted my spirit in the north country."

     Zechariah's final vision depicts four chariots, drawn by horses of different colors, that go forth to execute judgment upon the peoples and nations besieging Judah. The prophet saw these four chariots proceed from between two mountains of brass (v.1); the Scriptures often speak of brass figuratively, or typically, in reference to the fires of judgment. Why ? Undoubtedly it is because in the physical realm, heat is necessary to refine and combine elemental metals in the formation of brass. Revelation 1:15, pictured above, and 2:18 liken the feet of the glorified CHRIST to brass, and it is those very feet that one day will tread out the fierceness of GOD's wrath upon a disobedient people and a sinful world at the end of the Great Tribulation (see Revelation 19:11-16).

     The theme of Zechariah deals primarily with the terrible judgment upon GOD's chosen people, the Jews -- both in the immediate context at the hands of the Chaldeans but also in a far more spectacular and amazing way at a time yet future when GOD will refine a remnant of Israel who will experience the seven-year Tribulation (Zechariah 13:9), and thereafter receive her returning KING with a new heart of belief when HE comes in "power and great glory" (Matthew 24:29-31 pictured below; Zechariah 14:4 pictured above). The remainder of Zechariah predominantly contains prophecy concerning this future time of unprecedented judgment.

     The purpose of this vision is to reveal that these divine messengers are sent forth to do the bidding of "the LORD of all the earth" (v.5), and their mission is to judge those who have set themselves against the will of GOD. This wicked old world is headed for terrible judgment, and we must be certain that we are standing on the right side. DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"The Curse Returns to Babylon"

Zechariah 5:5-11 "Then the angel that talked with me went forth, and said unto me, lift up now thine eyes, and see what is this that goeth forth. And I said, What is it ? And he said, This is an ephah (basket of measure) that goeth forth. He said moreover, This is their resemblance through all the earth. And, behold, there was lifted up a talent of lead: and this is a woman that sitteth in the midst of the ephah. And he said, This is wickedness. And he cast it into the midst of the ephah; and he cast the weight of lead upon the mouth thereof. Then lifted I up mine eyes, and looked, and behold, there came out two women, and the wind was in their wings; for they had wings like the wings of a stork: and they lifted up the ephah between the Earth and the Heaven. Then said I to the angel that talked with me, Whither do these bear the ephah ? And he said unto me, To build it an house in the land of Shinar: and it shall be established, and set there upon her own base."

     This seventh vision is a continuation of the theme of GOD's judgment upon sin. The prophet Zechariah sees an "ephah," or a basket, in which the contents are weighted and subsequently carried from one place to another. The basket contains "wickedness" (v.8), and the lead weight covering its mouth ensures that it will be kept and reserved for the guaranteed judgment that the LORD has determined will come to pass (vv.5-8). Unless one's sin has been washed away by the blood of the LAMB, then his unrighteousness continues to collect as if in a pot (read carefully Romans 2:4-6 pictured above). Once a person receives by grace GOD's cleansing for sin, all is forgiven. BUT for those who reject the grace of GOD, their unrighteousness stockpiles against them and will one day meet with an equal measure of GOD's judgment. Dear Reader, are your sins under the blood ? Or, are you filling up a measuring basket of sins with your name attached that will one day face a reckoning at the Great White Throne (Revelation 20:11-15 pictured below) ?

     Notice that a woman is sitting inside the basket (v.7). Two winged beings then transport the ephah back to Shinar (Babylon, vv.9-11). The woman prophetically represents the harlot one-world church that will finally be judged as "mystery Babylon," the false religious system to which Revelation 17 refers. When our text speaks of the woman being "established, and set upon her own base) (v.11), it signifies a house of religion that will stand for a time but only until GOD "[remembers] her iniquities" and rains down HIS wrath upon her (Revelation 18:5-8). Beware of the apostate ecumenical movement, the basis for mystery Babylon that will one day receive GOD's judgment. DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

 

"Be Silent Before the LORD"

 

Zechariah 2:6-13 "Ho, ho, come forth, and flee from the land of the north, saith the LORD: for I have spread you abroad as the four winds of the Heaven, saith the LORD. Deliver thyself, O Zion, that dwellest with the daughter of Babylon. For thus saith the LORD of hosts; After the glory hath HE sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of HIS eye. For, behold, I will shake MINE hand upon them, and they shall be a spoil to their servants: and ye shall know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me.

Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion: for, lo, I come, and I will dwell in the midst of thee, saith the LORD. And many nations shall be joined to the LORD in that Day, and shall be MY people: and I will dwell in the midst of thee, and thou shalt know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto thee. And the LORD shall inherit Judah HIS portion in the Holy land, and shall choose Jerusalem again. Be silent, O all flesh, before the LORD: for HE is raised up out of HIS Holy habitation."

     Although Israel has been largely dispersed during these "times of the Gentiles" (Luke 21:24), a regathering of a believing remnant who will experience the fulfillment of the blessings promised to the patriarchs of old and to David will take place (v.12). GOD's glory departed from the temple due to Israel's apostasy (Ezekiel 10:18-19), and the result was HIS divine judgment by way of the dispersion (v.6). But the LORD has not forsaken Israel (Romans 11:1-2 pictured above), and that Glory shall return ! Following HIS coming judgment upon the very nations that HE will use as instruments of chastisement upon HIS people who are scattered throughout the world, the LORD will regather believing Israel at the end of the Great Tribulation (Ezekiel 34:11-14; Matthew 24:29-31).

     "In that day" the LORD will return to the Mount of Olives and inaugurate HIS earthly rule (v.11; Zechariah 14:4 pictured above). JESUS CHRIST's Second Advent will cause Zion to "sing and rejoice" as never before. Why ? In that day, HE "will dwell in the midst" of them (v.10). CHRIST's kingdom upon the Earth will not occur until HE HIMSELF brings it to pass. With the exalted and glorified MESSIAH seated upon the throne of David, all the nations throughout the world will come up to worship at HIS feet (v.11 cf. Isaiah 2:2-4). GOD has determined these things to be so, and HE will bring each prophecy to pass (v.12). To any today who suggest that these detailed revelations are not literal but merely metaphorical or spiritual in significance or who claims that GOD is through with Israel and HIS promises are now for the church, carefully consider the final verse: "Be silent, O all flesh, before the LORD." HE is indeed coming, and HE will fulfill HIS WORD ! DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"No One Seems to Care !"

 

Zechariah 1:7-17 "Upon the four and twentieth day of the eleventh month, which is the month Sebat, in the second year of Darius, came the WORD of the LORD unto Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo the prophet, saying, I saw by night, and behold a man riding upon a red horse, and he stood among the myrtle trees that were in the bottom; and behind him were there red horses, speckled, and white. Then said I, O my LORD, what are these ? And the angel that talked with me said unto me, I will show thee what these be. And the man that stood among the myrtle trees answered and said, These are they whom the LORD hath sent to walk to and fro through the Earth. And they answered the angel of the LORD that stood among the myrtle trees, and said, We have walked to and fro through the Earth, and, behold, all the earth sitteth still, and is at rest.

Then the angel of the LORD answered and said, O LORD of hosts, how long wilt THOU not have mercy on Jerusalem and on the cities of Judah, against which THOU hast had indignation these threescore and ten years ? And the LORD answered the angel that talked with me with good words and comfortable words. So the angel that communed with me said unto me, Cry thou, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; I AM jealous for Jerusalem and for Zion with a great jealousy. And I AM very sore displeased with the heathen that are at ease: for I was but a little displeased, and they helped forward the affliction. Therefore thus saith the LORD; I AM returned to Jerusalem with mercies: MY house shall be built in it, saith the LORD of hosts, and a line shall be stretched forth upon Jerusalem. Cry yet, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; MY cities through prosperity shall yet be spread abroad; and the LORD shall yet comfort Zion, and shall yet choose Jerusalem."

     The GOD of Israel has a purpose and a plan for HIS people and for HIS holy city Jerusalem (Daniel 9:24-27). Following the Rapture of the church (1st.Thessalonians 4:13-18; Titus 2:13; Revelation 3:10 pictured above), the LORD will deal with Israel once again, first by way of judgment in the Great Tribulation and then through HIS glorious blessing in JESUS CHRIST's earthly millennial reign that follows. ALL prophecy will be fulfilled !

     Today's text contains the first of eight visions that came in quick succession to Zechariah. This vision speaks of GOD's great jealousy -- HIS guarded love "for Jerusalem and for Zion" (v.14). HE "shall yet comfort Zion, and shall yet choose Jerusalem" (v.17 pictured above). But what about the rest of the world, which seems totally oblivious to GOD's loving plan for the ages and for Israel's future glory ? Zechariah sees the LORD standing "among the myrtle trees" (v.11), somewhat veiled and difficult to be seen by the casual observer. This scene is comparable to what we experience today -- GOD's purpose is not obvious to the common man and must be sought out in the WORD and believed on by faith. The ones sent forth "to walk to and fro through the Earth" (v.10) returned with their report: "The Earth sitteth still, and is at rest" (v.11). Not only were the heathen indifferent to GOD, but they even opposed HIM (v.15) -- how similar to the day in which we live. But "good and comfortable" words (v.13) were available for those who would hear and heed this prophecy. The remnant of Judah had work to do (v.16), but they also could look forward to a far greater future glory in GOD's plan for Jerusalem (v.17 pictured above). We will get a view of this glorious age as Zechariah's prophecy unfolds ! DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"The GREATEST Miracle"

 

Matthew 28:1-10 "In the end of the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulcher. And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the LORD descended from Heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: and for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek JESUS, which was crucified.

HE is not here: for HE is risen, as HE said. Come, see the place where the LORD lay. And go quickly, and tell HIS disciples that HE is risen from the dead; and, behold, HE goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see HIM: lo, I have told you. And they departed quickly from the sepulcher with fear and great joy; and did run to bring HIS disciple's word. And as they went to tell HIS disciples, behold, JESUS met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held HIM by the feet, and worshipped HIM. Then said JESUS unto them, Be not afraid: go tell MY brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see ME."

     Throughout the Old Testament, the one event selected by the LORD GOD HIMSELF as being the predominant miracle of that time was the crossing of the Red Sea in Exodus 14:1-31. The Israelites' march on dry land through the Red Sea was the singular miracle that was repeatedly mentioned throughout their history, up until the time of CHRIST JESUS' advent. This marvel struck fear into the surrounding nations (Joshua 2:10 pictured above) and made a lasting impression across the centuries (Nehemiah 9:11).

     However, when it comes to miracles, the absolute most important event in human history is the resurrection of the LORD JESUS CHRIST. This is, by far, the greatest miracle recorded in all of Scripture. By it, we have the assurance that our sins are forgiven (1st.Corinthians 15:17). Conversely, if JESUS CHRIST had not risen from the dead, then all preaching today would be pointless because we would have no good news whatsoever to share with others (1st.Corinthians 15:14), and, in addition, those who proclaim the Gospel would be liars (1st.Corinthians 15:15). But because JESUS did rise from the dead, we can be confident that all who trust in JESUS CHRIST for the forgiveness of sins will also be raised just as HE has ordained (1st.Corinthians 15:23). In fact, CHRIST's resurrection is a clear, resounding declaration from GOD the FATHER that HE, JESUS CHRIST, is indeed the SON of GOD (Romans 6:4-5). We are no longer the servants of sin (Romans 6:6); therefore, let us yield ourselves to GOD (Romans 6:13). The Apostle Paul's passion was to "know [CHRIST], and the power of HIS resurrection" (Philippians 3:10 pictured above); may that be our fervent desire as well ! GDF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Greater Works !"

 

John 14:12 "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on ME, the works that I do shall he do also: and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto MY FATHER."

     Many today sincerely believe that because JESUS performed numerous miracles -- healing illnesses and raising the dead, which were certainly miracles in the truest designation -- GOD intends the followers of CHRIST to accomplish "greater works" (v.12) in the sense of more substantial miracles. Yet, we know that such is not the case because these supernatural wonders ceased with the passing of the Apostles in the first century. The so-called miracles carried out today are, in most cases, simply bogus manipulations. The devastating result is that they draw attention away from man's greatest need -- healing for his sin-sick soul. It is the height of hubris for one to believe that he could out-do our LORD when it comes to working miracles.

     The "greater works" to which JESUS refers are not the "sign gifts" that Charismatics and Pentecostals insist are still taking place today. Obviously, their supposed speaking in tongues and giving of prophetic words are not as great as the miracles of CHRIST. Do not allow yourself to be conned by the charlatans and false deceivers of our day ! So, in what sense, then, are we to understand the "greater works" comment that JESUS made ? HIS miracles were undeniable (John 11:47 pictured above). They were spectacular (Luke 22:50-51). They were abundant and often public (Matthew 14:14 pictured above). What works could be "greater" that JESUS' miracles ? The answer simply is this -- none of those miracles had eternal ramifications. They all met an immediate physical need and did not fix man's ultimate necessity: forgiveness of sins. A "greater work," then, is the preaching of the Gospel for salvation by grace through faith in JESUS CHRIST alone, and seeing the lost sinner receive the gift of eternal life. How great a work HE left us to do ! GDF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Miracles"

 

John 5:39 "Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life; and they are they which testify of ME."

     From the miracles of CHRIST, we learn much about both HIS person and HIS intent. Throughout JESUS' earthly ministry, HE made two claims about HIMSELF: First, HE was Israel's promised MESSIAH. Hundreds of prophecies are scattered throughout the Old Testament foretelling both HIS person and work. The air of expectancy among the first-century Jewish population was understandably based on these biblical promises. Second, JESUS contended that HE was GOD in human flesh. During most of HIS public ministry, HE went throughout Israel saturating the country with this message. These were stunning assertions considering HIS audience. The latter claim was blasphemous to the Jews if it could not be supported in some tangible way. A few connected what HE said and did with WHO HE was professing to be - the promised MESSIAH. So, how could JESUS prove HIMSELF and verify HIS message to the people ?

     The Gospels mention thirty-five miracles that JESUS performed in addition to the many that went unrecorded (John 21:25; Matthew 4:23-25; 8:16). The ones selected for inclusion in GOD's WORD convey important truths about HIM - mainly, HE was exactly WHO HE claimed to be - Israel's MESSIAH, GOD Incarnate ! HE did these miracles in order to authenticate HIS message and ministry, not merely to give people a better quality of life. Unlike the deceit and manipulation of charismatic charlatans in our day, the miracles of JESUS were remarkable and wonderful, substantiating the extraordinary message that they were intended to communicate - GOD was dwelling among men (John 1:14 pictured above). GDF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation