This is the last week of This Is the Old Testament! Next week, we’ll continue our thematic overview of the entire Bible with This Is The New Testament. Each day we’ll read a thematic selection from a different book or two of the Bible, along with supplemental passages that show how the theme of that day’s main reading is found throughout Scripture. We’ll also read a brief summary of each book and a reflection on how the book fits into the larger story of Scripture.
The Book of Zechariah: This book is a record of the prophet Zechariah’s encouragement to the Jewish people to continue rebuilding the temple after it was destroyed. Zechariah also challenged his fellow Israelites to remain faithful to God, who promised them complete restoration when the Messiah brings the kingdom in full.
How Zechariah Fits Into the Story: The book of Zechariah is heavy with language of judgment, but it is also full of God’s promises. From beginning to end, the Bible tells the story of God’s redemptive plan, culminating in His triumph over evil through the cross of Jesus Christ. Zechariah’s prophecies anticipate this grand culmination of history, describing a coming glorious King, a God who triumphs over all, and a world with all wrongs corrected. These promises set the stage for God’s future kingdom, as evidenced by the quotes and allusions to Zechariah in the New Testament.
Reflection Questions:
1. From today’s reading, in what ways do you see God taking action to purify His people?
2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption?
Take time to reflect on your responses and share what you are learning with others in the community in the comments.
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63 thoughts on "Zechariah"
God has already begun to purify us through the death of His only Son Jesus Christ. He also granted us access to Him through His own Spirit and through His word. That God has made a way from start to finish for us to come right back to Him.
Oh, I just checked in knowing ya’ll were holding me and my family up today. My son just got here, and others. I wrote up my thoughts–Praying God will use them! My dear Collin said on his FB post today, “although I am not a religious person, …appreciate prayers..Lord God pierce his heart today..and those that don’t know our God is a very real Creator of all things, and no it’s not a religion…it is a Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Pierce Christian heart that will be listening live from his prison. (my son will be reading his thoughts.) We want YOUR GLORY to shine today Lord…that you are worthy of praise and glory. Not just a “thing” people do to find balms.
(heart). Lord..calm my nerves…it’s not at all about me…I just want to share your Fierce Love..which it is titled.
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Malachi 3:13-18 Hit me between the eyes as I recognized something I have said in my heart… questioning why do I continue to serve God? The answer to that question has always been a deep seated knowledge that “I can do no other.” I can’t bring myself to walk away. I remember words of the song…”Oh love that will not let me go”. Forgive me this morning. I’m a little emotional. Not sure why. Sitting here sobbing over today’s verses. This has been a great study. I’ve enjoyed the format of short purposeful verses fled out with New Testament texts.. Be well and rest in the peace of Jesus this weekend. Praying for Rhonda and others who have expressed a need.
I’ve missed you Cindy!
Thank you!
Thank you for the post with the lesson information!
There will come a day…we have hope in Jesus! And this should make us want to reflect Him in our world. Also, there should be a distinct difference between followers of Christ and this world.
I ask my self, do people see the difference and want what I have? It is not a prideful stance but one of humility. Where would I be without without Jesus.
Praying for all!
Malachi 3:13-18 reminded me of Matthew 7:21-23. “There will be a distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and do not.” Sadly we read in Matthew that not everyone who calls Him “Lord” will enter the kingdom. What a dreadful day that will be for those who stand before the Lord and he says to them, “I never knew you, depart from me your evil doers!”
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I came across this song, I’d never heard it before, but – WOW! What sad truth it proclaims!
I Never Knew You, sung by – The Soulful Gentlemen…give it a listen.
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Praying for the lost and dying world to come to Jesus.
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@Rhonda – Much prayer for you today as you stand before the crowd of mourners. May you feel God’s arms holding you up, and His voice speaking through you. Praying for Donna, Scott, Collin and Christian.
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@All my SRT sisters – it is a joy to meet you all here every morning! You are my community. Granted, I have my church family as community as well, but as a pastor’s wife – this is the one place I can be open and honest without worrying about what someone might think. Bless you all and much love sent your way! ❤️
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Rhonda, praying for you and your family and friends today. Praying in agreement with all the Shes and their prayers.
Good morning, SHES! RHONDA J, you and your family will remain in my prayers and on my heart on this difficult day.
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Sisters, I know these verses were not our highlighted verses for today, but to me the notes on vv. 5-6 perfectly answer Question 1.
I have enjoyed walking through the Old Testament with y’all and I am always encouraged by your comments! Hope to see you next week in the New Testament! THANK YOU SRT STAFF! ❤
NOTES from Wiersbe NKJV Study Bible:
Malachi 4:5-6
“Inasmuch as ‘the great and dreadful day of the LORD’ did not occur in New Testament times, we have to believe that John the Baptist was not the promised Elijah, even though he ministered like Elijah. Thus this prophecy is yet to be fulfilled. Elijah might possibly return to earth as one of the two witnesses (Rev. 11:3–12).”
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Revelation 11:3-12 CSB
“I will grant my two witnesses authority to prophesy for 1,260 days, dressed in sackcloth.” These…
), for the signs that these two men would perform remind us of the miracles of Elijah and Moses.”
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v. 6
“All of creation is eagerly awaiting the return of the Savior, expecting to be delivered from the bondage of sin (Rom. 8:18–23). We too should be expecting Him and, while we’re waiting, witness of Him to others. For the arising of ‘the Sun of Righteousness’ will mean either burning or blessing (4:1–2): blessing to those who have trusted Him, burning to those who have rejected Him.”
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From NKJV ENDURING WORD Study Bible:
Malachi 4:5-6
In this unique promise, God assured His people that He would send Elijah to Israel again before the great and dreadful day of the Lord. In a figurative sense, this was fulfilled in John the Baptist (see Matt. 11:14; Mark 9:11–13; Luke 1:17). In a more complete sense, this will be fulfilled before the Second Coming of Jesus (see Matt. 17:11–12; Rev. 11:3–12). God will use the last-days Elijah to preach reconciliation through Jesus Christ between people and God. It is significant that in these closing words of the Hebrew Scriptures, God referred to Moses (see Mal. 4:4) and Elijah. They both met God at Mount Sinai (see Ex. 3:1; 1 Kin. 19:8–18). They also both met Jesus at the Mount of Transfiguration (see Matt. 17:1–5). The Old Testament ends with the threat of a curse but also with the expectation of the glorious dawning of the “Sun of Righteousness” (Mal. 4:2). The New Testament closes with blessing in the rising and reign of the Sun of Righteousness: ‘The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all’ (Rev. 22:21).”
SONG SHARE:
We The Kingdom – Glory Glory (Unplugged)
❤️
Thanks, sisters! That’s exactly where I was headed when I saw no post! ❤ ☺
Today’s scripture reading from He Reads truth
Malachi 3:13-18
Malachi 4:1-3
Hebrews 1:1-9
Thank you Danielle. This “old” brain of mine was thinking,…”wait, I just read Zach.. and realized SRT had not posted today’s veres.
From He Reads Truth: Day 47 Malachi
Malachi 3:13-18, Malachi 4:1-3, Hebrews 1:1-9
Questions:
1. How does today’s reading offer closure to the Old Testament narrative? How does it also foreshadow the hope of Christ to come?
2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption?
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Hopefully website will be updated soon.
Reflection Questions:
1. From today’s reading, in what ways do you see God taking action to purify His people?
He has already started through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. He also granted us access to Him through His Spirit and through His word.
2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption?
That from start to finish God has made a way for us to come back to Him.
This scripture today is prophesy for the future of Israel today and is super important to us Christians because of the situation happening today. It is not by chance that people are turning against them as a nation. We are told that will happen. There will be a remnant. They will come to believe the true Savior Jesus in the tribulation. And we as Christ followers have to stand firm for the nation of Israel (not politics). The “replacement theology” blinds Christians of the still standing promises for Israel. Jesus will come back to Jerusalem in the final times. Yes, Jesus’ temple is us, the church, people of him, but there still remains, and always will, the apple of his eye.
Thank you for your prayers, please continue because I don’t have a “write-up” yet of what to say tomorrow. And of course I will be so nervous, and trembling to death. Pray for my family and all that are traveling many miles (my son is around 9 or so hours), pray for my sister as she mourns but has to be there hours..I pray it lifts her. As you know, and many have walked this path, suicide and addiction adds a component that is so hard for the family and close friends. I pray that they use this pain to draw closer to Jesus. Those that have walked away from their faith will renew it. Those that are Christ-followers will get on fire for the lost and take action to find the broken. To go out of their way, to talk to those different than us.
It’s a busy, busy day here, and we have sick people..I pray others don’t get sick. Love ya’ll.
Oh, Rhonda, praying the sickness doesn’t spread anymore! Continued prayers for the grief orocess, for strength to endure the days ahead, for salvation/revival to capture the hearts of those attending, safe travels for all, and CALM/PEACEFUL SPIRIT for you as you speak just the right words. Love you, Rhonda! ❤❤❤
Rhonda, I’m praying now that God will help you to get your written script of what you say at the service tomorrow finished so you can get some much needed rest. I pray for safe travels for all and for those who are sick to get well and no one else to fall ill. I pray that God will give your sister strength to endure the hours tomorrow, and to feel Him holding her close in her grief. I pray God speaks to each person who attends, and that many will answer His call to come to belief in Him. I pray for your strength, comfort and peace and for you to feel God’s love enveloping you.
Praying tonight along either Cee Gee and Teresa. Praying that God’s wisdom is all over you dear Rhonda. Praying for strength for your sister and the health of your family and safe travels for everyone.
Praying for you as you speak today, dear sister! May God fill you with His peace and give you His words. May this tragedy be the catalyst to bring others to Jesus. You and your family are loved and prayed for! ❤️
Praying Rhonda for you and yours today as you bid a final farewell to your niece, daughter, sister, cousin, friend..
It’s going to be hard, but by His grace, His love for each there, whether they know Him or not, I pray they feel His presence in some way, that this tragedy, brings them closer to the One who holds all. Praying Rhondda, that you speak from your heart, and that God will guide you to say what He needs others to hear.. You are God’s person, you will be comforted as you speak His truth and speak of your niece..
Lifting you up my friend.. May God be with you all today..❤
praying for you and your family today Rhonda. I’m so thankful to have you there to spread light in a dark situation, I know the Lord will be with you.
My prayers are with you all today, Rhonda. ❤️
Praying fpr you Rhonda❤️
Rhonda, praying for you this morning. I spoke at my 6 year old nephews funeral years ago and I was so nervous too. But the Holy Spirit took over and spoke through me. I’m praying the same for you. Lay it at his feet and He will speak through you.
Praying supernatural peace and comfort over your sister and entire family as you grieve. Praying those in attendance that don’t know Jesus will take a step towards Him today. ❤️
Sending strength and love to you and your family today.❤️
Rhonda J we love you. ❤️
Thinking about you and praying for you and your family especially today. Praying that the Holy Spirit ministers to all with comfort, peace, reconciliation, and a revelation and desire to know Jesus.
You have an amazing gift and love for the Lord Rhonda and I am praying for you and that your words are an encouragement and blessing. ❤️
God purifies us today by obedience to the truth, Jesus the living water, and his word. God also wants us to be patient; I love the phrase, for a little while. Praise God for the hope of heaven, knowing that we will see him in a while.
Be blessed today!
Just as the people of Israel was promised a cleansing fountain – Jesus Christ – we are promised the same today.
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1 Peter 1:3-9
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Praise God! He has given us new birth into a living hope
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We have an inheritance kept for us – in heaven!
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We are shielded by God’s power!
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Trials come to prove the genuineness of our faith.
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Our faith has greater worth than gold!
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We haven’t seen Him, but we love Him
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We don’t see Him now, but we believe Him
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We are filled with inexpressible and glorious joy!
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The end result of our faith is the salvation of our souls!
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Praise God, Praise God, Praise God!!
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This is us my friends – all of it. We have so much to be thankful for!
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Song that comes to mind: So Much by Life Church Worship. This is the chorus…
I’ve got
So much to be thankful for
So much to be thankful for
I’ve got
So much to be thankful for
So much to be thankful for
A thousand blessings, a million more
It’s so easy to praise You, Lord
I’ve got so much, so much to be thankful for
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@Margaret W – praying for wisdom and guidance as you make decisions, and complete recovery from knee surgery.
@Searching – prayers for your friends dad.
Continued prayers for your requests,
@Kimberly Z @Mari V @Melanie
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Thank you sisters for your prayers for my in-laws, Phyllis and Al. Have a blessed Thursday! ❤️
In Zechariah 13:5 it looks like the false prophets go back to being farmers. (Or at least say they are farmers.) Either way, if their hands are in the soil at all I would say there is a work of redemption going on there! I think when Jesus speaks in parables about planting good seed and removing weeds we can take it literally. It’s good for our body and our mind to care for a bit of ground. So many lessons there! So humbling and hard.
To answer question one in what ways did God take action to purify his people? God, the father gave the command to strike the Shepherd. On that day, when Jesus died and rose again, the fountain of his cleansing blood was opened to wash away our sin. And that fountain still remains open and flowing. God also. Cuts off the source of sin, in Zachariah. It was the idols and false prophets and unclean spirits.
Though you have not seen him..you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory.
Amen
Summary in Wiersbe NKJV Study Bible:
“Isaiah had admonished the nation, ‘Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes. Cease to do evil’ (Is. 1:16), but they refused to listen. Jeremiah had pleaded with His people, ‘O Jerusalem, wash your heart from wickedness that you may be saved’ (Jer. 4:14), but they wouldn’t obey. But here, in response to Israel’s repentance and faith, the Lord would wash them clean. This forgiveness is part of the new covenant that God had promised to His people (Jer. 31:31–34
Jeremiah 31:31-34 NLT
‘The day is coming,’ says the Lord, ‘when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel…’
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1 Peter 1:16,18-20
“…Be holy, because I am holy.”
For you know that you were redeemed from your empty way of life inherited from your ancestors, not with perishable things like silver or gold,
19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of an unblemished and spotless lamb.
20 He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was revealed in these last times for you.
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SONG SHARE:
Shane & Shane: Holy, Holy, Holy (We Bow Before Thee)
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Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤
yes, amen! love u Cee Gee.
Love you back with big hugs, Rhonda!!! ❤
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Thank you ladies for all of your prayers yesterday! We had a beautiful celebration of life for my brother’s passing yesterday, living in both the “mourning” of his passing and the “dancing” of fond memories of him. Also thank you for the encouragement for the Bible study tomorrow!
Rhonda – as I was praying for you, I was thinking how you are the glue that golds our group together. Your faithful posts and responses to us, starting the FB group, reaching out in private messages, constant encouragement to stay in the Word, follow the Lord, serve, etc. Your heart for Jesus shines so bright and I just know that, as challenging as tomorrow will be, you are up for the task! I am believing that those present will be greatly impacted by Christ’s light in you.
Thankful your family found blessung in the oaun yesterday. ❤
Adding a big DITTO to what yoy saud ti RHONDA J!!! ❤
where’s the crying face emoji when you needed…in this horribly challenging day, being protector of my sister and being with her as we go get her daughter in a “vase”…(Lord give us strength)…I feel it so overwhelming..to get beds ready for the guests..go to the church to set up some flowers and portraits…and fix our hair and clothes for tomorrow…as it is also Savannah’s birthday tomorrow. (insert another crying face). Your words are so nice and appreciated .
I’m so glad y’all get to celebrate your brother’s life. although it was so agonizing his long fight and battle, he is in his heavenly home.
Could someone share how to find this FB group? I’ve looked a few times.
It’s called SRT SHE’s. You will need to answer a simple question to be accepted.
“The term ” fountain” here speaks of a spring that brings forth fresh water. The community that has slain their God has received the spirit of grace and supplication (12:10),in order to mourn their actions and be ritually cleansed a symbol of God’s acceptance.”
NIV Application commentary.
” A key theme throughout biblical theology is that of a remnant, namely that from sinful humanity God forms a holy community. The gospel challenges the Western church’s penchant for the health and wealth gospel. In the New Testament account, when people devote their lives to Chrisythey are greeted with suffering more often than with success. We should not be surprised then,at suffering but rather embrace it as part of God’s purification of his remnant of his community.
NIV Application Commentary
The Lord wants to puriy us, to pursue holiness. He is our hope, our salvation and we are guarded by Him. But, we make the choice to turn away from evil, to set aside idols and to walk im faithful obedience no matter what comes our way. The Lords desire is for us to live a life forgiven and restored. What an awesome God we serve.
Blessings on your day. Praying for your requests.❤️✝️
❤ Any new word from your tests, Wendy?
I did just have the follow-up with my hematologist for the bone marrow biopsy and praise the Lord, all is well. No findings. He also monitors the blood protein disorder that I have and it has slightly progressed but not to the point of great concern. Also a praise! I am still awaiting one other follow-up appt with the endocrinologist as well as Im have a 2 day in office test with a cardiologist, both next week. We are praying that there will be more answers coming. I have no improvement in symptoms, am feeling pretty crummy as well as now dealing with all my symptoms magnified a but, a mild nausea, continual headache as a side affects of the injection treatment I started to address the tumors in my lymph nodes. Really appreciate your prayers, Thank you ❤️
Continuing prayers for you, Wendy!
Amen
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Amen!
God provides testing , removes corruption and refines his people.
God will open a fountain to purify His people. He will remove all the false idols and prophets and refine by fire His remnant.
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Today’s reading showed me that Gos will remove any obstacles in my path toward redemption and that will include times in the refiner’s fire. I need to trust Him in the process and say, “The Lord is our God.”
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TAMI – praying your family was able to celebrate your brother’s memory and the grieving process continues.
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RHONDA J – continued prayers for you and your family.
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MERCY, MARGARET W, SERCHING, SHARON JG, MARI V – ♥️ and prayers
Oh
Praying
Thank you Kelly:)
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Thank you Kelly.
The Lord tests and refines the faith of His people as they walk through challenges in this life. We aren’t promised ease in this life, but we are promised the presence of our God; One who is faithful to His promises and dedicated to the process of making us holy unto himself! Praise God that He never gives up on His people!
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Amen!
1 Peter 1:7 stood out to me..testing the genuineness of our faith. I want my faith to be real. We are changed into more Christlikeness when we are being refined
The Word
1 Peter 1 “Though you have not seen him you love him”. We love and want to know You more God! ❤️