"And the LORD My GOD Shall Come"

 

Zechariah 14:1-8 "Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, and thy spoil shall be divided in the midst of thee. For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the housed rifled, and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city. Then shall the LORD go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle.

And HIS feet shall stand in that day upon the Mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the Mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south. And ye shall flee to the valley of the mountains; for the valley of the mountains shall reach unto Azal: yea, ye shall flee, like as ye fled from before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah: and the LORD my GOD shall come, and all the saints with THEE. And it shall come to pass in that day, that the light shall not be clear, nor dark: but it shall be one day which shall be known to the LORD, not day, nor night: but it shall come to pass, that at evening time it shall be light. And it shall be in that day, that living waters shall go out from Jerusalem; half of them toward the former sea, and half of them toward the hinder sea: in summer and in winter shall it be."

     "And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our GOD, we have waited for HIM, and HE will save us. . ." (Isaiah 25:9). That prophetic prayer will be answered when JESUS, "the LION of the tribe of Juda" (Revelation 5:5), returns from Heaven to bring to pass every promise HE has made to Israel. GOD's unconditional covenants regarding a people, a land, and a kingdom in which CHRIST sits upon the throne will be fulfilled. "HIS feet shall stand . . . upon the Mount of Olives" (vv.1-4). Just as HE actually, literally sat upon the colt, even so "in that day" Jerusalem shall rejoice and shout because the KING is coming (Zechariah 9:9 pictured above). The LORD JESUS CHRIST will deliver the waiting, watching remnant from the armies marshaled by the Antichrist against Jerusalem, and then HIS dominion, HIS earthly kingdom, will extend "to the ends of the Earth" (Zechariah 9:10).

     The long persecution of Israel will finally come to an end when this ultimate battle destroys every satanically inspired foe (vv.2-3 cf. Zechariah 12:2-3; Zephaniah 3:8 pictured above; Daniel 11:41-45). Notice also the physical changes in the topography of the land when "the LORD my GOD shall come, and all the saints with THEE [the Raptured church is among this number !]" (v.5): The Mount of Olives will divide in half, mountains will move out of their places, a valley will marvelously form, the duration of daylight will supernaturally extend, and the waters flowing from Jerusalem will greatly alter (vv. 4-8). So many other prophetic texts likewise reference this same day -- all of these precious promises of our LORD will, indeed, come to pass ! These literal events are going to take place, and the millennial kingdom of CHRIST will be established, just as the Scriptures declare. DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"A Remnant Shall Be Brought Through"

 

Zechariah 13:7-9 " Awake, O sword, against MY SHEPHERD, and against the MAN that is MY FELLOW, saith the LORD of hosts: smite the SHEPHERD, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones. And it shall come to pass, that in all the land, saith the LORD, two parts therein shall be cut off and die; but the third shall be left therein. And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on MY name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is MY people: and they shall say, The LORD is my GOD."

     This final section of Zechariah 13 speaks of the blood-washed remnant, those of the twelve tribes of Israel who will survive the entire seven-year Tribulation and will, therefore, be alive and prepared to receive their MESSIAH when HE returns to destroy every foe and inaugurate HIS millennial reign upon the Earth. The SHEPHERD-KING, the GOOD SHEPHERD WHO was smitten by the sword of GOD's judgment on behalf of the sheep who had gone astray (John 10:11), is now the ONE WHO promises to "turn [HIS] hand upon the little ones" (v.7). How ? HE exercises HIS chastening hand that will prepare HIS chosen people for the promised blessing of the kingdom to come. "It shall come to pass, that in all the land" two thirds of Israel will fall by the sword, by martyrdom, and by the plagues of the Great Tribulation (v.8). The stiff-necked Israelite will be destroyed (Amos 9:10; Isaiah 1:9 both pictured above) while the Jew who trusts in JESUS CHRIST will become a Tribulation saint. If he is slain for his faith during this time, then he will await resurrection at the coming of CHRIST the KING (Revelation 6:9-11; 12:11,17).

     Only one third of Israel will "endure unto the end [of the Great Tribulation and] . . . shall be saved," or delivered, when the DELIVERER returns to Mount Zion (read the entire context of Matthew 24:13 pictured above, from which this quote was taken). This verse does not mean, as so many errantly teach today, that believers in the church age need to "endure unto the end" by their good works lest they lose their salvation in CHRIST. No, this text is speaking of the one-third remnant of the Jews who will be brought through the refining fire (v.9), at which time "all Israel shall be saved" (Romans 11:25-27). DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"A Great Mourning in Jerusalem"

 

Zechariah 12:9-14 "And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem. And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the SPIRIT of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon ME WHOM they have pierced, and they shall mourn for HIM, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for HIM, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn. In that day shall there be a great mourning in Jerusalem, as the mourning of Hadadrimmon in the valley of Megiddon. And the land shall mourn, every family apart; the family of the house of David apart, and their wives apart; the family of the house of Nathan apart, and their wives apart; the family of the house of Levi apart, and their wives apart; the family of Shimel apart, and their wives apart; all the families that remain, every family apart, and their wives apart."

     One aspect of "that day" (v.9) --the day of the LORD --is the supernatural, SPIRIT-anointed way in which GOD will enable the redeemed residue of Israel, having survived the cataclysmic sufferings and the Antichrist's wrath during the Tribulation (Revelation 12), to gain the victory over every enemy at CHRIST's return. Notice that even the most feeble will go forth to battle with more might than King David did at his best, "and the house of David shall be as GOD, as the angel of the LORD before them" (v.8). Now that is an imposing force ! It is no wonder that the blood of the enemy runs bridle deep throughout the valley of Megiddo. The HOLY SPIRIT is also poured out upon all the surviving saints in that day (v.10). This is the fulfilment of the prophecies of Joel 2:28-32, Ezekiel 39:29, and Isaiah 32:15, all of which definitely have a "day of the LORD" context that includes the military exploits over the host of the Antichrist as well as the spiritual and physical blessings associated with CHRIST subsequent reign.

     The terrible time of judgment is paving the way for the ensuing blessing of GOD. One of the greatest benefits that arises from "the time of Jacob's trouble" (Jeremiah 30:7) is the heartfelt repentance in the remnant that comes through the horrors of the Great Tribulation alive. When their MESSIAH returns in glory, they will "all . . . be saved" (Romans 11:25-27 pictured above) and prepared to receive their KING. Imagine the anguish felt by those who "looked upon [HIM] WHOM they have pierced" (vv.9-14) ! The HOLY SPIRIT will bring forth a true fruit of repentance far transcending what John the Baptist witnessed during his ministry (John 1:19-37), for Israel will now have a new heart (Ezekiel 36:25-27 pictured above). DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"In That Day . . ."

 

Zechariah 12:1-8 "The burden of the WORD of the LORD for Israel, saith the LORD, which stretcheth forth the heavens, and layeth the foundation of the Earth, and formeth the spirit of man within him. Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem. And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the Earth be gathered together against it. In that day, saith the LORD, I will smite every horse with astonishment and his rider with madness: and I will open MINE eyes upon the house of Judah, and will smite every horse of the people with blindness.

And the governors of Judah shall say in their heart, The inhabitants of Jerusalem shall be my strength in the LORD of hosts their GOD. In that day will I make the governors of Judah like an hearth of fire among the wood, and like a torch of fire in a sheaf: and they shall devour all the people round about, on the right hand and on the left: and Jerusalem shall be inhabited again in her own place, even in Jerusalem. The LORD also shall save the tents of Judah first, that the glory of the house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem do not magnify themselves against Judah. In that day shall the LORD defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and he that is feeble among them at the day shall be as David; and the house of David shall be as GOD, as the angel of the LORD before them."

     The phrases "in that day" and "the day of the LORD" are in the remaining three chapters of Zechariah's prophecy over a dozen times. When mentioned in the context of GOD's dealings with HIS covenant people Israel, this "day" refers to the events surrounding the Second Advent of CHRIST, including the seven-year Tribulation when the LORD judges and purges sin from Israel (Zechariah 13:1-2), the physical return of JESUS to the Mount of Olives (Zechariah 14:4-5), the subsequent defeat of the enemy host gathered against Jerusalem (Zechariah 12:8), GOD's deliverance of a believing Jewish remnant (Zechariah 13:9 pictured above), and the millennial reign of JESUS CHRIST the KING upon this earth (Zechariah 14:9 pictured below). These prophecies recorded in chapters 12-14 detail GOD's final judgment and Israel's preparation and entrance into the promised -- though long-delayed -- earthly kingdom.

     This is an awesome panorama of future events, and it is the culmination of GOD's plan for the ages. HE has the power to bring all these things to pass. The scorner and the skeptic look at Bible prophecy and say, "Its' all figurative, symbolic, allegorical, and [somehow] spiritually fulfilled in the church." Read verse one: GOD, the CREATOR of the universe, can and will do as HE pleases ! Through the centuries, Satan has made a concerted effort to destroy Israel and Jerusalem and to wipe out the Israelites from the Earth. But in the days ahead, when CHRIST returns to keep the covenant promises HE made with the patriarchs and with King David, then HIS chosen people will be the fear of all opposing nations rather than the terrorized (vv.2-7). When JESUS CHRIST leads them to battle "in that day" the weakest will be as strong as the mighty King David (v.8) ! DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"GOD Loves You"

 

"For GOD

so loved the world,

that HE gave

HIS only begotten SON,

that whosoever

believeth in HIM

should not perish,

but have everlasting life."

~ John 3:16

We are loved.

     This great Bible verse reveals four truths from the heart of GOD for all people. GOD wants us to know that we are loved. The LORD JESUS said, "For GOD so loved the world. . ."

     You are part of this world, and GOD loves you. HE gave HIS SON for you, and HE wants you ". . .to know the love of CHRIST. . ." (Ephesians 3:19).

We are of worth.

     The LORD also wants us to know that we are of worth. We are so dear to GOD ". . .That HE gave HIS only begotten SON. . ." The Bible teaches us that we are all sinners. "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD." (Romans 3:23). And sin must be paid for, "For the wages of sin is death. . ." (Romans 6:23).

     But the Bible also teaches us that ". . .CHRIST died for our sins according to the Scriptures" (1st.Corinthians 15:3). GOD demonstrated HIS love for us and our worth to HIM when HE sent HIS SON to die in our place.

     The good news is that the LORD JESUS paid our sin debt in full when HE died on the cross. "For HE hath made HIM to be sin for us. . ." (2nd.Corinthians 5:21). CHRIST loved us and gave HIMSELF for us as payment for our sins.

     You may ask, "How can GOD forgive my sins ?" HE can because of what JESUS did. ". . .While we were yet sinners, CHRIST died for us" (Romans 5:8).

We can have hope.

     GOD wants us to know that we can have hope. He said ". . .that whosoever believeth in HIM should not perish. . ." Life is fragile, and people are perishing. But CHRIST came ". . .that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly" (John 10:10).

     In a world where so many have lost hope, GOD wants us to know that the ". . .LORD JESUS CHRIST. . .is our hope" (1st.Timothy 1:1). HE rose from the dead, and HE said, ". . .Because I live, ye shall live also" (John 14:19)

We can have purpose.

     GOD wants us to know that we can have purpose in life. HE desires that we ". . .should not perish, but have everlasting life."

        ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~//~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

     You may ask, "How can I receive GOD's promise of eternal life ?"

Acknowledge that you are a sinner, "for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD" (Romans 3:23).

Believe that the LORD JESUS died for you, for "CHRIST died for our sins according to the Scriptures" (1st.Corinthians 15:3).

Call upon the LORD to save you, "for whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved" (Romans 10:13).

     If you would be willing to turn to CHRIST in repentance and faith, pray this simple prayer of salvation:

        ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~//~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

LORD,

I know that I am a sinner,

and I believe YOU died 

and rose again for me. 

I am trusting YOU to forgive me.

Come into my heart and saved me.

Help me to live for YOU always.

In JESUS' name I pray, AMEN.

        ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~//~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

     The LORD JESUS said, ". . .I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish. . ." (John 10:28). Everlasting life is ours when we receive CHRIST as our personal SAVIOR.

Now that you're a Christian:

* Share your new-found faith with your family and friends (Acts 16:31-33)

* Identify with CHRIST through believer's baptism and become part of a local Bible-believing, preaching church (Acts 2:41,47).

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

GULF COAST

BAPTIST CHURCH

312 SE 24th. Avenue

Cape Coral, FL 33990

(239) 574-1000

www.GulfCoastBaptistChurch.com

Pastor Robert Butz

Pastor Emeritus Tom Sexton

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Saved, Sure, and Serving !"

 

NOW I AM A CHILD OF GOD.

"But as many as received HIM, to them gave HE power to become the sons of GOD, even to them that believe on HIS name:" (John 1:12)

NOW I HAVE ASSURANCE.

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on ME hath everlasting life." (John 6:47)

"These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the SON of GOD; that ye may know that ye have eternal life. . ." (1st.John 5:13)

NOW I HAVE THE HOLY SPIRIT TO TEACH ME.

"Hereby know we that we dwell in HIM, and HE in us, because HE hath given us of HIS SPIRIT." (1st.John 4:13)

"Howbeit when HE, the SPIRIT of truth, is come, HE will guide you into all truth: for HE shall not speak of HIMSELF; but whatsoever HE shall hear, that shall HE speak: and HE will shew you things to come." (John 16:13)

NOW I AM KEPT BY MY SAVIOR.

"And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of MY hand. My FATHER, which gave them ME, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of MY FATHER's hand." (John 10:28-29)

I WILL BE BAPTIZED AND WILL UNITE WITH A BIBLE BELIEVING, BIBLE PREACHING CHURCH HOME.

"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the FATHER, and of the SON, and of the HOLY GHOST:" (Matthew 28:19)

"Then they that gladly received HIS WORD were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls." (Acts 2:41)

"Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is, but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." (Hebrews 10:25)

I WILL STUDY GOD'S WORD DAILY.

"As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the WORD, that ye may grow thereby:" (1st.Peter 2:2)

"Study to shew thyself approved unto GOD, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the WORD of truth." (2nd.Timothy 2:15)

"THY WORD have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against THEE." (Psalm 119:11)

I WILL PRAY DAILY.

"Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and HE shall hear my voice." (Psalm 55:17)

"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto GOD." (Philippians 4:6)

"And whatsoever ye shall ask in MY name, that will I do, that the FATHER may be glorified in the SON." (John 14:13)

"Pray without ceasing." (1st.Thessalonians 5:17)

I WILL SURRENDER MY ALL TO SERVE CHRIST.

BODY:  "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of GOD, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto GOD, which is your reasonable service." (Romans 12:1)

TIME:  "See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil." (Ephesians 5:15-16)

TALENTS:  "If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of GOD; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which GOD giveth: that GOD in all things may be glorified through JESUS CHRIST. . ." (1st.Peter 4:11)

MONEY:  "But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for GOD loveth a cheerful giver." (2nd.Corinthians 9:6-7)

I WILL WITNESS TO OTHERS DAILY.

"And HE said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature." (Mark 16:15)

"But ye shall receive power, after that the HOLY GHOST is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto ME both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." (Acts 1:8)

"Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the WORD." (Acts 8:4)

REMEMBER GOD'S PROMISE !

"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the LORD, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the LORD." (1st.Corinthians 15:58)

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"JOY in Serving the KING !"

 

Zechariah 8:18-23 "And the WORD of the LORD of hosts came unto me, saying, thus saith the LORD of hosts; The fast of the fourth month, and the fast of the fifth, and the fast of the seventh, and the fast of the tenth, shall be to the house of Judah joy and gladness, and cheerful feasts; therefore love the truth and peace. Thus saith the LORD of hosts; It shall yet come to pass, that there shall come people, and the inhabitants of many cities: and the inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, Let us go speedily to pray before the LORD, and to seek the LORD of hosts: I will go also. Yea, many people and strong nations shall come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem, and to pray before the LORD. Thus saith the LORD of hosts; In those days it shall come to pass, that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you: for we have heard that GOD is with you."

     The LORD's fourth message to the remnant completes the first of two divisions within the book of Zechariah. The three main points of these four messages from GOD that followed the remnant's question put to Zechariah in verse three of chapter seven are as follows: 

(1) Rebuke for their disobedience.

(2) Encouragement for their present work.

(3) Expectation of the glorious future millennial kingdom.

The remnant needed to understand that GOD's work through them would not progress, nor would HIS purposes be accomplished until HE first chastened and refined them. The same is true for us today ! The LORD only uses pure vessels whose hearts are right and who separate from all wickedness (including false teaching, see 2nd.Timothy 2:15-21).

     The LORD reminded the remnant that if they did HIS work and served HIM with a renewed heart, they would experience a genuine joy in their fasts and feasts (their worship) that would replace the emptiness and dissatisfaction that came when they neglected GOD's will and lived only for themselves (v.19 cf. Haggai 1:1-6). This theme of joy in serving the LORD was applicable both to the remnant in Zechariah's time as well as to those who will one day serve in the kingdom of CHRIST when HE returns to reign over the Earth in "power and great glory" (Matthew 24:29-31 pictured above). At that time, all who come through the Great Tribulation will have renewed hearts and will clamor for the blessed opportunity to go to Jerusalem to worship JESUS CHRIST the KING (vv.20-23 cf.14:16-17; Isaiah 66:23 pictured above). What a joyous time that will be ! But remember, we can serve our LORD in like spirit today, for joy is integrally linked to obedient heartfelt service. DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"I AM Returned unto Zion"

 

Zechariah 8:1-8 "Again the WORD of the LORD of hosts came to me, saying, thus saith the LORD of hosts; I was jealous for Zion with great jealousy, and I was jealous for her with great fury. Thus saith the LORD; I AM returned unto Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called a city of truth; and the mountain of the LORD of hosts the holy mountain. Thus saith the LORD of hosts; There shall yet old men and old women dwell in the streets of Jerusalem, and every man with his staff in his hand for very age.

And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in the streets thereof. Thus saith the LORD of hosts: If it be marvelous in the eyes of the remnant of this people in these days, should it also be marvelous in MINE eyes ? saith the LORD of hosts. Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Behold, I will save MY people from the east country, and from the west country; and I will bring them, and they shall dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and they shall be MY people, and I will be their GOD, in truth and in righteousness."

     The LORD's third message in response to the remnant's initial inquiry (Zechariah 7:3 pictured above) addressed their existing duty to continue rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem as well as the future purpose that HE has determined for Zion. The first section is a prophecy concerning the millennial kingdom. GOD has an irrevocable love for Zion, and HE will execute HIS "great fury" (v.2) upon all who have defiled the land. Following HIS judgment, a purged "city of truth" (v.3) will literally experience the unfathomable glory of the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY "dwell[ing] in the midst" (vv.1-3,8). Unless we recognize this dominant prophetic theme of the Old Testament Scriptures detailing the LORD's return to Earth to fulfill every pledge that HE made to the patriarchs of old, then we will have a deficient understanding concerning not only what lies ahead but also regarding GOD HIMSELF and HIS faithfulness to fulfill all HIS promises.

     This present sin-cursed world is a dark and perilous place. The schemes and dreams of men to solve the world's overwhelming problems will never come to pass, for sin governs their hearts. BUT a time will come, dear Christian, when the curse will be lifted, the KING shall rule with "a rod of iron" (Revelation 12:5 pictured above) and righteousness and peace shall cover the Earth. This glorious future will occur when JESUS CHRIST returns to reign. In that day, the elderly will be carefree, and children will safely play in the streets. Indeed, it will be "marvelous" (vv.4-6) ! The LORD will miraculously regather to Zion the remnant of believing Jews from all the Earth (vv.7-8). Yes, the future kingdom will be wonderful, for the LORD of Glory will be seated on David's throne. 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 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

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