Keeping CHRIST at the CENTER of our LIVES!
October 5
Bible Reading: Zechariah Chapters 10-12
Keeping CHRIST at the CENTER of our LIVES
"And I will pour on the house of David
and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication; then
they will look on Me whom they pierced. Yes, they will mourn for Him as one
mourns for his only son, and grieve for Him as one grieves for a
firstborn." (Zech 12:10)
Among the
prophetical books in the Old Testament, the book of Zechariah ranks high in
revealing the coming of Jesus Christ about 500 years before the event. As we
closely read this book, we can read about Christ’s humanity (6:12), His
humility (9:9), His betrayal (11:12-13), His deity (12:8), His crucifixion
(12:10), His return (14:4) and His future reign (14:8-21). Zechariah prophesied
that the key to Israel’s future was the coming Messiah, who will ultimately
triumph through struggles and suffering.
This
remarkable prophecy about the One Israel pierced (12:10) looks toward a time
when Israel will recognize and accept Jesus Christ as its Messiah, whom they
had literally pierced with a spear after His death on the cross (John 19:34). God’s
ultimate deliverance of Jerusalem is rooted in a spiritual renewal, which itself
is an act of God’s grace. Out of deep conviction and as a result of the action
of God’s Holy Spirit, the Jewish people will turn in national and individual
repentance to accept the One whom they had previously rejected (11:12).
Regarding
the nation of Israel, Zechariah foretells their rejection of their Messiah at
His First Advent but their regeneration and reception of their Messiah at His
Second Advent. The realization of what they have done to their Messiah will
cause them to mourn with intense grief for Him, as one mourns for his only son.
Godly conviction, as the result of the Holy Spirit’s ministry, will bring about
godly sorrow in their hearts. When the people of Israel finally see the Messiah
(v. 10), they will recognize Him (Matt. 24:30; Rev. 1:7), repent, and be
cleansed and forgiven.
Like God’s
people Israel, we experience many trials and testing; but our Lord Jesus
Christ will see us through and share His kingdom and glory with us (Acts
14:22). This is our certain future, so let
us strive to keep Christ at the center of our lives!
"And this is the will of Him who sent Me (Jesus), that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day." (John 6:40)
