A Servant, Branch, Stone

 O. T. #2284 "A Servant, Branch, Stone"

Sept. 21, 2022

Zechariah 3-Part 3

LET IT GLOW 

In chapter 3, Zechariah tells us about the fourth vision or message he received from the Lord. The details pertain to the anointed-Joshua, the adversary-Satan, the advocate-Jesus Christ, and the ablution (washing filthy garments). This applies to Israel's restoration to the service of God, the coming of Messiah, and to the millennial reign.

We pick up at verses 8-10. (Keep in mind that Joshua is another name for Jesus and Zechariah, for Zechariah is a type of Jesus). Note that Zechariah, the high priest, and his fellow priests, are being addressed here. Those young priests are Zech's disciples under his teachings. They and we believers today are in wonder at (a wonderful deed, miraculous sign, wonder) what God will do in the future. 

Now we will focus on the Servant-Branch-Stone, which are name for Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Messiah. 

First of all, Jesus is referred to as the Servant, God's Servant, which is spoken of as My Servant (doer, tiller, slave). He was the suffering Servant. He modeled servanthood when Jesus came to dwell among mankind. He became a servant when He obeyed God's will. He was a servant when He washed the feet of His disciples, as well as when He died on the cross, giving His life as a ransom for us all. What an examples Jesus is for us, to live as a servant to others and unto our God. 

I will bring forth My servant the BRANCH. (verse 8)

In the Hebrew language, Branch means sprout.

Isaiah 11:1 says, and there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots. 

Secondly, from the Davidic line came the Messiah, the Lion of Judah, the Branch that was a stem and a shoot from David. 

There was a great big pecan tree in our backyard for about 40 years. It had huge branches and provided great shade and numerous pecans throughout the years. I never asked, but I assumed Mom planted it there. As a child, I would climb up the tree and perch in the fork of the branches, observing my kingdom. But a strong storm came and caused some of those huge branches to fall on our wellhouse and house. It had to be cut down. Just this spring, after many years, a group of sprouts popped up. Since I have been watering them through the drought, they are over 2 feet tall. The roots of the old tree had remained, and shoots grew, which are becoming branches. So it is was with David and Jesus. What a plan our God had and still has!

Friend, have you trusted in the Servant and Branch Jesus Christ as your Savior? If not, today is the day. Ask His forgiveness of your sins, believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead. Ask Jesus to come into your heart and be your Savior. What a blessing it is when you do.

LET IT GROW

Third, the stone in verse 9 is the Messiah, Christ Jesus. He is the Stone of Israel, whom the builders refused, the foundation and Corner Stone of the spiritual building, the church. The graving engraved upon the stone is ornamental, beautiful, desirable, and perfect. With 7 eyes, the Living Stone Christ sees all. When Christ returns to earth, He will remove the iniquity of Israel. 

Jesus Christ is the Servant-Branch-Stone. What an encouragement for us today! We can rely upon this Stone to take us into heaven to dwell with Him forever.

 LET IT GO 

Use us to be Your servant today. Help us extend Your branch of love to others today. May we stand on the Rock of Ages and stand for Your Word and ways.