Thursday, February 21 2013
Zechariah 10
Verse of the Day:V12 “And I will strengthen them in the LORD; and they shall walk up and down in his name, saith the LORD.”
1. Showers (V1-2)
V1 “Ask ye of the LORD rain in the time of the latter rain, so the LORD shall make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain, to every one grass in the field.”
Prophet Zechariah reminded the people of Judah that it was God, and not their idols, who gave them showers of rain for their crops and their survival. Though the people kept looking for the Shepherd or God, yet God was always with them. Time and again, God sent His prophets, like Zechariah, to plead with them to repent their sins, and turn to Him and obey Him, so that He can bless them with showers of rain, and all spiritual blessings.
V2 “For the idols have spoken vanity, and the diviners have seen a lie, and have told false dreams; they comfort in vain: therefore they went their way as a flock, they were troubled, because there was no shepherd.”
2. Shepherds (V3-4)
V3 “Mine anger was kindled against the shepherds, and I punished the goats: for the LORD of hosts hath visited his flock the house of Judah, and hath made them as his goodly horse in the battle.”
Zechariah warned the people that there were goats or false shepherds as well as true shepherds. The false shepherds will lie, deceive, and ultimately lead the people to the pits of fiery hell, while the good Shepherd and His true shepherds will preach the truth, and give their lives for the people, and eventually lead them to the pearly gates of heaven.
“I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11)
3. Strengthen (V5-12)
V6 “And I will strengthen the house of Judah, and I will save the house of Joseph, and I will bring them again to place them; for I have mercy upon them: and they shall be as though I had not cast them off: for I am the LORD their God, and will hear them.”
Only the good Shepherd and Saviour shall strengthen and save His people, and have great mercy on them, and answer their prayers according to His sovereign and perfect will.
V12 “And I will strengthen them in the LORD; and they shall walk up and down in his name, saith the LORD.”
Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, thank You that You are my Strength and my Saviour.
