Tying Up Loose Ends

O. T. #2327 "Tying Up Loose Ends"

Nov. 28, 2022

Zechariah 14

LET IT GLOW 

Do we need to tie up loose ends of our life-things we have put off doing, for another day?One day will be our last day here, so we need to make preparations. Before we take a trip, I get our things up to date, financially. That will make it easier on our children if we do not return home for one reason or another. 

Here we are, studying the last chapter of this book. do you realize that we only have one more book to go, and then we will have finished the Old Testament. A big shout out of thank you for faithfully studying with me thus far. May the Lord bless you!

Zechariah connects the second coming of Christ as he gathers together everything and ties up any loose strings or ends there might be. The church will be removed from earth so we do not have to experience the kind of judgment brought on. The first three verses is the last siege of Jerusalem. Here the prophet speaks of the later part of the Great Tribulation period of 7 years. The Day of the LORD cometh after the Antichrist brings horrible tribulation. 

You will recall the past sieges upon Jerusalem by the Babylonian army and the Roman army (before N.T. time). The last battle upon Israel will be the Battle of Armageddon, where only 1/3 of the Jews remnant survive. 

What does Zechariah prophesy here?

• Conquerors will siege Jerusalem and divide the spoils. (verse 1)
• Nations will come there to do battle. (verse 2)
• One will set himself up the Temple of God and proclaim himself  to be God (the Antichrist). 
• He will vent his wrath upon Israel, deport people, and only a remnant will remain in the city.
• When the battle happens, it is a sign from heaven that the Lord is getting ready to return. (Matthew 24:30)
• Those armies will be slain by the breath of Christ, so don't be shaken, troubled, by spirit, word, nor by letter. (2 Thess. 2:2)
• God will use this occasion to fight for Isael, His beloved.

How will the Jews be rescued in Jerusalem? Jesus will stand on the Mount of Olives (east side) and the mountain will split and provide a way of escape for those trapped in Jerusalem. (verses 4-5) This earthquake was predicted nearly 200 years earlier than Zechariah in Amos 1:1. 

God provides a way of escape for His children, especially when tempted.

LET IT GROW

On the Mt. of Olives, Jesus spoke with His disciples about the end times. (Matt. 24) Near this mountain, an angel promised that Jesus would return in the same manner as He had left. (Acts 1:11; Ez. 11:23)

Only God's people will escape His punishment. (Matt. 24:16-20) god knows who His people, believers, are. 

Friend, are you one of those believers?

LET IT GO

What a day that will be when we are taken out of this cruel world! (Raptured) If we are still alive at that time. 

Jesus is going to carry out all that the Father has planned.

It is best to let go of the hold we have on this world before that happens.

Focus on serving and loving Jesus Christ, our Savior. 

Then we won't be disappointed to leave it all behind.

Friend, I hope to one day meet you here, there, or in the air.