THROUGH THE BIBLE IN THREE YEARS

THROUGH THE BIBLE IN THREE YEARS

This program of daily Scripture studies is designed to help you in daily honoring God with adoration.

Each day, Monday through Friday, a Scripture with commentary is posted.

We have a great friend in Gary Godard. He has set up an archive page. To view ALL the prior Scripture studies by book and chapter, just clik

HERE.

Bro. Bruce's commentaries for the books of Genesis through Obadiah are
now available in hard copy for $17.50. (Smaller books are only $9:50) Just mail your request for COMMENTARY ON (BOOK NAME) to:

Bruce McGee
P.O. Box 1627
Columbia, LA 71418

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE STUDY
ZECHARIAH

1 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. 2 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. 3 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. 4 Out of him came forth the corner, out of him the nail, out of him the battle bow, out of him every oppressor together. 5 And they shall be as mighty men, which tread down their enemies in the mire of the streets in the battle: and they shall fight, because the LORD is with them, and the riders on horses shall be confounded.

Now Zechariah speaks of God as PROVIDOR. He has provided the goodness when idols have provided nothing.

Even though God is angry for sin, He only "visits" His people with punishment (vs 3). It is not eternal, but that punishment meant to turn a child in repentance.

"Out of Him" grammatically refers back to Judah, the subject of the former sentence. It is out of Judah that Messiah will come. He will be the "corner" -- Psalm 118:22. He will be the "nail" -- Isaiah 22:23. Messiah reflects stability and strength. He is also the "battle bow" -- Psalm 7:11-12; the Righteous Judge Who defeats all "oppressors."

Because of the Lord's presence in them, His people will fight with an unbeatable strength, and all enemies shall be "confounded."

It is God's power IN us and FOR us that gives us strength. Without Him we would be nothing!

6 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. 7 And they of Ephraim shall be like a mighty man, and their heart shall rejoice as through wine: yea, their children shall see it, and be glad; their heart shall rejoice in the LORD.

As in Ezekiel 37:15-23, God promises a REUNITED Israel. In the millennial kingdom, God will erase the past of Israel, and those remaining will be converted and given great strength in the Lord. History records that the Jewish people have been undeniably "blessed." But you ain't seen NUTHIN' YET!!

8 I will hiss for them, and gather them; for I have redeemed them: and they shall increase as they have increased. 9 And I will sow them among the people: and they shall remember me in far countries; and they shall live with their children, and turn again. 10 I will bring them again also out of the land of Egypt, and gather them out of Assyria; and I will bring them into the land of Gilead and Labanon; and place shall not be found for them.

When God calls, they will come! And He will "increase" them like they've never been increased before!

He will "sow" them among all nations, and they will show all nations that Jesus is Lord.

And there will be so many there will not be "room" for them in the land of Israel alone!

11 And he shall pass through the sea with affliction, and shall smite the waves in the sea, and all the deeps of the river shall dry up: and the pride of Assyria shall be brought down, and the sceptre of Egypt shall depart away. 12 And I will strengthen them in the LORD; and they shall walk up and down in his name, saith the LORD.

Just as it happened with Moses, the waves of the sea shall be "smitten" with affliction and allow them to return to their land without hindrance. The rivers will dry up, giving them quick access to the land. None of the captors of Israel will endure!

When God "strengthen(s)" them, they will have power in His Name, and will inhabit the land without fear or repression.

Imagine! One day, not only that nation, but ALL Israel (Romans 9:6), which includes Christians born by the "blood of the Lamb" and the "Spirit of God," shall have a total and full desire to serve Christ!!