Hope is Here!

O. T. #2307 "Hope is Here!"

Oct. 25, 2022

Zechariah 9-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

There are so many people in prisons of their own making-drugs, alcohol, bitterness, jealousy, etc. What they need is hope. That hope can only come from Jesus Christ. Are we pointing them to Hope?

The third subject of the burden concerns the Messiah's blessings upon Israel (9:11-10:12):

• deliverance (9:11-16);
• a bountiful land (9:17-10:1);
• separation from idols (10:2-3);
• a Deliverer (10:4-7);
• restoration (10:4-7);
• redemption (10:12).

The unconditional Abrahamic covenant was ratified by blood sacrifice. (Gen 15:9-18) It was because God keeps His covenants, that Heset free the Jewish prisoners (still back in Babylon) from death in a waterless dungeon (dry cisterns). (As Joseph and Jeremiah were place in.) How were the prisoners viewed? They were prisoners of hope. They were looking forward to the time of freedom from the Persians. They returned to the stronghold (Israel).

Jesus, You are our living hope.

LET IT GROW

What does God promise in verse 12?

•  He will repay two blessings for each of their troubles. Israel had received double for her sins. (Isaiah 40:2) He will restore double to them. 
• He will conquer their enemies with the Lord providing defense. (verses 13-15)
• He will deliver Israel and cause His people to sparkle like glittering jewels in a crown. (verse 16)
• How lovely and beautiful! God will receive glory and honor then. (verse 17)

In that day, the Day of the Lord, after the church is raptured out, the Great Tribulation will come for 7 years, then the Lord Jesus Christ will return to earth to establish His kingdom during the thousand-year reign of Christ. The godly of Israel and of the Gentile nations, believers in Christ will make up the jewels. 

What a joyous time! No energy shortage, no famine. Jesus will provide abundance in all that is needed. What a time. 

LET IT GO

What do we need to let go of today? People are searching for answers, looking for hope.

You are a good, good Father, and we are loved by You. You are perfect in all of Your ways. 

You have it all planned out, so we can trust You.

Such mercy, grace, love, peace, joy in abundance. 

Jesus, You are our Hope.