Today we begin the Life-Study of Zechariah. Hallelujah for the riches in the ministry!
Message 1 is titled: AN INTRODUCTORY WORD
The Scripture Reading is Zech. 1:1-6 and the sections of the message are:
I. THE STATUS OF ZECHARIAH
A. The Grandson of Iddo and the Son of Berechiah
B. Born of a Priestly Family in Captivity and Becoming a Prophet Who Returned to Judah
II. THE TIME AND PLACE OF ZECHARIAH’S MINISTRY
III. THE OPENING WORD
IV. THE SUBJECT OF ZECHARIAH’S PROPHECY
V. THE CENTRAL THOUGHT OF ZECHARIAH’S PROPHECY
VI. A COMPARISON BETWEEN THE PROPHETS ISAIAH, DANIEL, AND ZECHARIAH
A. In God’s Economy toward His Chosen People
1. In Isaiah
2. In Daniel
3. In Zechariah
B. In Christ for the People of God’s Concern
1. In Isaiah
2. In Daniel
3. In Zechariah
VII. THE SECTIONS OF THIS BOOK
A. The Introductory Word
B. The Visions of Consolation and Promise
C. The Advice to Israel and the Desire of Jehovah to Restore Israel
D. The Prophecies of Encouragement Centered on Christ
Time. It’s really a rather interesting, troubling thing. Something I have dwelt on for a little too long as of late. This morning one word stood out to me in this reading, Iddo. Yes, Iddo, meaning “at an appointed time.” I don’t know, but that was reassuring to me, there is an appointed time. For everything under the sun God has appointed a time. Whatever situation we find ourselves in whether happy or sad, trying, liberating, frustrating, mind-boggling, God has appointed that time and apportioned it to us and it too shall pass and we will continue to go on and grow and ripen because Jehovah is in full control of everything.
I guess for me, right now, remembering Iddo Berechiah Zechariah (at an appointed time Jehovah will bless and Jehovah will remember) becomes to me a hearty word of consolation.
This message gives us an introductory word. The first impression given in chapter one is crucial. It set the stage for all events following. In the central thought of Zechariah, Christ is the center and circumference, the centrality and the universality. As our Redeemer and Savior, He is the centrality; as our Deliverer, He is the universality. It may be easy to get caught up in the historicity of this book, but let’s remain focused on Christ, our exceedingly great reward. At the appointed time, Jehovah will remember and bless with this all inclusive Christ! Meanwhile, He is becoming the centrality and universality within us.
Zechariah contains so many key verses. Recently, I have been touched by one of them. To open to the Lord, It may help to read each chapter.
I’m thankful for the posting of the life studies. I remember when I brang this up to the team in an e-mail. I was just going to stay on lettheword.com. I was not expecting to see this life study online. I did not think I was someone worth posting a life-study for.