Hillbillies and City Slickers

O. T. #2322 "Hillbillies and City Slickers"

Nov. 16, 2022

Zechariah 12-Part 5

LET IT GLOW

Having grown up and now living in the hills of our state, I know what it is like being looked down upon by those from the city. They consider us as uneducated, backwoods socializers, and low-class folks. (When I was a kid, my cousin from a different area said they thought we did not wear shoes.) I didn't realize what that meant until years later. My family was not a city slicker. Perhaps it was in my grandparents' day, but not so today. We have universities, internet, medical facilities, museums, the arts and sports facilities. We even have large companies as their headquarters. Yet, it is hard to overcome the stigma.

Who is it that will receive victory first-Judah or Jerusalem? According to verses 7-9, it is Judah. The reason is so the people of Jerusalem and line of David will not have greater honor than the rest of Judah. It is so Jerusalem people will not look down on the others in pride. It would be like calling them hillbillies. 

But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first. (Matthew 19:30)

It is not for us to judge people, but God's job. We are told to love folks, not be partial in the way we treat them.

LET IT GROW

In verse 8, we read that God will strengthen the weakest inhabitants of Jerusalem like David, a warrior. Not only was David a great administrator, but a great soldier, a general of great strategy, a man of tremendous ability. In that day, even the weakest man will be like David. (McGee)

... and the house of David shall be as God, as the angel of the LORD before them. 

There came One in David's line who is God. That One is the Lord Jesus Christ who was born to Mary of the household of David. He was born in the same city of Bethlehem. Mary went down there to be enrolled because she belonged to the house of David. So was Joseph. 

The New Testament open with The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. (Matt. 1:1)

The only way to God and heaven is through faith in Jesus as Savior. He said in John 14:6, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.

It is not by good works, a good life, nor by giving to causes that make us right with God. It is the blood of Jesus Christ shed on the cross, being covered in His righteousness. That is only received through repentance of our sins. Have you done so, friend?

LET IT GO

Help our faith and obedience of Your Word grow, Jesus.

Thank You for paying the price for my sins.

What love! An everlasting love that does not change.

Thank You Jesus for saving this hillbilly.