Zechariah 14:1-21
Ok. Let me just say right up front that Zechariah 14:1-21 is kind of a tough passage. It's prophecy and there's just a lot to take in. The Book of Zechariah is the story of God's people returning to their homeland from captivity. And the last chapter (14) is prophecy about the Second Coming of Christ. So Zechariah 14:1-21 is giving us a Jewish perspective on things to come in the distant future, with a focus on Israel and what will happen to her during this time.
So you might be wondering if there are take aways for us from this passage. Absolutely! One thing I was drawn to was verse 9 where we're told "And the Lord will be king over all the earth. On that day the Lord will be one and his name one." What a wonderful reminder of God's sovereignty and that there will be a day that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow and every tongue confess that He is Lord.
The good news is that as Christ-followers we already know and recognize Christ as the King of kings and Lord of lords. (How about an "Amen" to that?) So what can we do to make sure we're committed, submitted and worshipping at all times? Tami W.
One thing that is important to point out in this passage is that the appearing of Christ in the Rapture has already occurred and that this is talking about his second coming as you said. As you said in your blog, the church is not mentioned any more after Revelation Chapter 3, the scene shifts from earth to heaven, and the last words spoken before this were, "Come up here." You mentioned 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 which is a direct reference to the rapture and not the second coming. I just felt impressed to clarify the order of events in order to answer one of the first questions you asked about how we can be sure we're committed, submitted, and worshipping at all times. We will be in heaven with Christ doing these very things when this occurs. I can answer this question in light of his appearing and that is to stay in God's word, stay in a bible believing church, pray as a way of life, and lift up our voices in praise and adoration daily. Learn and sing praise songs and hymns to God... teaching my children to do the same with my wife and me. Enjoy the Lord. Joy is contagious. John 10:10 "The thief cometh not but to kill, steal, and destroy, but I have come that you might have life and that more abundantly." - Jesus.
Today is the Lord's day and as I go to worship him I will be leading the service and I will use this opportunity to remind the congregation that Jesus is Lord and our soon coming King and our duty is to worship him.
Christians United for Israel was in Washington D.C. this past week. I pray they made an impact on Congress. I read a lot of news reports from other countries as well as the US; I've been concerned about the direction of support for Israel from the US. I do not fear for Israel; God will protect his chosen people. However, I do not welcome the wrath the US will experience if we turn our backs to Israel.
Daily walking in His Word is how I stay committed, praying is how I submit and worshiping Him with my words/thoughts/actions. It's comforting to know that from the words of Zechariah a portion of what is to come and that we don't have to fear the future; additionally, to thank God for TODAY. To let Him be a 'light unto our paths' and know that He will fight our battles for us. Keeping Him in the center of all we think and do is critical and allows me to keep my balance and peace in my heart/mind.
We need to open the WORD EVERYDAY. Some days it seems difficult to find our time with the Lord. But, then, did we find a few minutes to eat? The Word is our spiritual food and nourishment. Did we take time to run the errands of the day? The Word is lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path! If we can commit to opening God's Word daily, then the Lord will open up its treasures unto us!
We must seek the understanding of the Word and try to apply what we learn so we might obey it. If we love Him, we will keep His commandments.
Then, we must try to take as many people along with us to heaven as we possibly can! Live the life (we may be the Bible they're reading). Pray, pray, pray, witness when we can, and be open and ready to answer any questions others may have about salvation and eternity.
Last, let's not fear. God is FOR US! Whatever comes, we can know He is mindful of us and holds our futures in His Almighty hands.
We need to stay faithful and committed. Just like exercise and living a healthy life style (sorry I can't help it I'm a fitness trainer and life style coach) we need to stay on track. If we get off track with sin (and we all do) then we should get right back on the path with Bible study and prayer. Even just a few minutes a day can make a difference. Worshipping at all times means being thankful God is with us even in the tough times. We might not like what the situation or what's happening in our lives, but God is always we us. We're on the winning team.
Praise God for all of you. I sure could use friends like you near me...Jesus is always with me,. Pray I will be constantly aware of HIS presence. There is more to come! Praise His Holy Name! That is all I truly want to do. Lord give me/us voices to do that...
Mary (if you see this), we are all friends...and, then some! The thing is, when we belong to Christ, we are part of God's family. So, it's one of the coolest things there is about the "earthly part" of serving Jesus. That means we're all bought with His precious blood, the same precious blood, so we are family!
I've often been surprised to realize I have Christian friends who are closer to me in many ways, than are some biological family members who do not know Jesus. We must pray for each other and for those we love who do not yet know Jesus as their Saviour! I pray they will come into the ark very soon.
Blessings to all on the P4 blog!