Prophecy Update: Sabbath, But No Rest - Part 7

Bobservations' Column

Titled - "Sabbath, But No Rest"
Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz

Jesus said in the New Testament, Mark 2:27 (Exodus 23:12 & Deuteronomy 5:14) that the sabbath was created for man, not man for the sabbath. In Exodus 31:16, God directed the Jews to keep the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. God taught His children through His own example, 6 days to work, then one day of rest, just as He did during the days of creation.

But since the Exodus directives to observe the Sabbath, it seems that there has been no rest for God. He is always able to receive our praise, but everything else in the world requires God’s immediate control, and intervention. It was in Genesis 9:1-6, God established human government; man was going to be at odds with other men regardless. Jungle natives have done it, Egypt, Greece, and Rome did it; even Native American Tribes took part in it with each other, and they attempted to do it to the white settlers, that simply overwhelmed them in their numbers. "Conquer or be conquered:" It is the way of the world.

But how has that worked out? Wars and rumors of wars…. Beat your enemy into submission, and that’s what we are watching in the news today. Iran wants a world-wide Caliphate, and an erasure of Israel and the Jews. And did it not begin within God’s people, the children of Isaac? Jacob and Esau started us down the path of Israel vs. the rest of the Middle East, or even Israel vs, the rest of the World. This may seem like an oversimplification of world issues, but there is a ring of truth to it.

God has blessed His people in spite of their unfaithfulness. The Jews are like a barometer for God. They are a constant reminder that there is a God Who created us, and keeps us in all our ways. The Jewish people are a measure of how the world views God. With resentment? Pleasure? Disenfranchisement? Love? Service?

We can see how God never rests, and never slumbers. We do keep Him busy, don’t we. But instead, work towards peace with God, and your relations with humanity relations will fall into place, a Godly place. Who do we fight with, or against?

“Behold, He that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber, nor sleep.” - Psalm 121:4

Bobservations' Column:  Audio Version

Sunday Morning Message:

Zechariah 9:9-10:4 - "Sabbath, But No Rest" - Part 7

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

Continuing on in our Prophecy Update series, Zechariah 9:8–10:4 prophesies God’s protection of Jerusalem amidst regional judgment, culminating in the arrival of a humble, just Messianic King who brings global peace (9:9, 10). 

While Zechariah 9:9 belongs to the first coming of Jesus, Zechariah 9:10 is associated with the second coming of Jesus, when He comes in power and glory to reign over this earth for 1,000 years. In that day there will be enforced righteousness, and He will no longer allow war (Isaiah 2:4). It promises the restoration and empowerment of God's people (Judah/Ephraim) against enemies and urges reliance on God, the true source of rain and leadership, rather than false idols.

Key Aspects of the Passage:

• Divine Protection & The King (9:8-10): God promises to guard His house. A king arrives—not on a warhorse, but lowly on a donkey—to bring peace, righteous rule, and universal dominion from sea to sea.
• Deliverance & Empowerment (9:11-17): Prisoners are freed through the "blood of the covenant". God empowers Judah and Ephraim as warriors to defeat enemies, specifically mentioning the defeat of Greece (9:13), resulting in blessing and prosperity for His people.
• The Shepherd & Restoration (10:1-4): The people are warned against idolatry and false diviners. God promises to visit His flock, providing a "cornerstone" and "tent peg" (a strong leader) to replace false shepherds, leading to a restored, strong nation.

This section marks a shift from judgment on surrounding nations to the establishment of the Messianic kingdom.

Sunday Morning Audio Message:  Upcoming!

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

Thy King Cometh (9:9, 10) - These verses are speaking of the two advents of Christ as though they were one as in Isaiah 61:1-3 (cf. Luke 4:16, 21).  Actually, verse 9 refers to Jesus First Coming and verse 10 to His Second.  Old Testament prophets didn't see the great time period between the two comings.  The church age was a "mystery" hidden from them (cf. Ephesians 3:1-9; Colossians 1:27).

King . . . Riding Upon A Donkey (9:9) - Unlike Alexander the Great, this King comes riding on a donkey (cf. Jeremiah 17:25).  This was fulfilled at Christ's triumphal entry (Matthew 21:1-5; John 12:12-16).  The Jews should have been looking for someone from the line of David (cf. 2 Samuel 7; 1 Chronicles 17).  Four elements in this verse describe Messiah's character: (1) He is King; (2) He is Just; (3) He Brings Salvation; and (4) He is Humble.

Zechariah 9:10-15 - In these next several verses, Zechariah moves to the Second Advent of Christ and the establishment of His universal kingdom.  Not characterized by bloodshed, Messiah's rule will be a kingdom of peace in which weapons of warfare will be destroyed or converted to peaceful uses (cf. Isaiah 2:4; 9:5-7; 11:1-10; Micah 5:2; 10-15.

Ephraim (9:10) - This is another name for Israel, used often in the Old Testament for the northern kingdom, and occasionally for the whole nation.

Blood of Thy Covenant (9:11) - Why is Israel to be so blessed?  It is not because of her faithfulness through the centuries, but because of God's unfailing devotion to His covenant of blood made with Abraham (Genesis 15:1-10), which is in force as long as God lives, which is eternal.

Pit Wherein is no Water (9:11) - Prisoners in ancient times were often kept in dry wells or pits, like Joseph was (Genesis 37:24, 28).  The exiles of Israel, pictured as being in a dry well of captivity, suffering, and despair, will be freed because of His unbreakable covenant with them.  They are called "prisoners of hope" (v. 12) who are to receive "double" blessing (cf. Isaiah 61:7).

Zechariah 9:13-15 - Reminiscent of the Exodus (Exodus 19:16-19; Habakkuk 3:3-15), the Lord will protect and empower them (cf. Isaiah 11:11-16; Zechariah 12:6, 8).  The initial historical fulfillment of this prophecy came when the Maccabees defeated the Greeks c. 167 B.C.; the final, complete fulfillment will occur at His Second Coming.  The Maccabean triumph is only a pledge and a preview of final triumph over all enemies.

Subdue With Sling Stones (9:15) - This may mean the Jews will easily subdue their enemies as David did Goliath (Judges 20:16).  Or better, it should be rendered "trample on sling stones," meaning that they will contemptuously tread on the harmless missiles cast at them by their enemies.  This could depict the futility of Armageddon when the armies of God-hating world gather in Israel and are destroyed by the Messiah (cf. Revelation 16:12-16; 19:11-16).  The bloodshed of the godless will be visible in that day, from one end of the land of Palestine to the other, like blood splattered on the corners of the altar of sacrifice from basins which caught it when the animal was slain (cf. Revelation 14:20).

Drink and Roar (9:15) - This describes Israel's excitement and exuberance over their victory. 

Zechariah 9:16, 17 - Abundant prosperity, such as the world has never seen, results in excessive rejoicing and praise from God "saving' His people, Israel (cf. Deuteronomy 33:28; Psalm 4:4, 8).

Ask the Lord for Rain (10:1) - In light of the promised blessings of 9:17, the prophet encourages the people to request these blessing from the Lord, with confidence.  There will be literal rain and latter rain (April/May) in the kingdom (cf. Isaiah 35:1-7), making the land flourish, but the promise here extends to spiritual blessings (cf. Hosea 6:1-3).  The "Latter rain" of spiritual grace and goodness from God will bring refreshment to people's souls (cf. Isaiah 44:3).

Idols . . . Diviners (10:2) - In contrast to God who provides abundance, idols or household gods (cf. Genesis 31:19, 34) and demonic fortunetellers left Israel as sheep without a shepherd (cf. Ezekiel 34:6-10).  God will judge them for this false leadership (v. 3).  The implication of these words is that a similar deception will occur in the end times.  The New Testament confirms this (cf. Matthew 24:5, 11, 22-28; 2 Thessalonians 1:8-12).

Goodly Horse (10:3) - Though like sheep, Israel will become like an invincible royal warhorse when strengthened by the Lord to conquer His foes (12:8).

Out of Him Came Forth the Corner (10:4) - "Cornerstone." This is a frequently used messianic title (cf. Isiah 28:16; Ephesians 2:20; 1 Peter 2:6-8).  Christ is the foundation on which His kingdom rests.

Nail (10:4) - or "Tent Peg" symbolizes the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ, as the secure, foundational leader from the tribe of Judah. It represents stability and strength, functioning as a peg in a wall to hold up all the glory and burdens of his people, ensuring the security of the House of God.  (cf. 6:13; Isaiah 22:23-24).

Battle Bow (10:4) - Another reference to the Messiah (cf. 9:13; Revelation 19:11-16), under whose authority every ruler will be sanctioned.

Prophecy Update: Peace, Prosperity, Then A Burden - Part 6

Bobservations Column
Titled - "Peace, Prosperity, Then A Burden"
Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz

This week, we are meeting on Sunday, February 22nd, the birthday of George Washington, called “Father-of-Our-Country.” He was our first President, but he did not bring about our birth alone. It is an honorary title only, because there were many that went before him to begin the fight for freedom. He was not even present in Philadelphia when the Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4, 1776. He was instead leading the Continental Army in New York, as they prepared to do battle with British forces. But on July 9th of that year, he assembled the Army together to read the Declaration of Independence to them, as it had been signed.

It is a reminder that fathers have a great role in our lives, but they need not to be present at every life changing event. They need to prioritize and be in the trenches fighting for our well-being, against our enemy.

That’s where we will always find our Father in Heaven: staying in his Kingdom, and choreographing our lives in a way that brings us to Him. There is none greater, none more powerful than He. He sees the future, and sees threats coming from a long way off.

After Ezekiel 38 & 39, we watched the tide turn, as Zechariah begins to write 100 years later. Israel is relieved of its enemies for sure, but there is a residue coming in Syria that could be a threat. He is not surprised. He has seen it before it happens. He is not driving at the end of His hood, but sees far ahead down the road, where danger may lurk. And unlike Washington, our God is always with us.

In the last several weeks, we may have thought that Iran was ready to strike Israel. But as Jesus said in Mattthew 24, “The end is not yet.” And we should recall what Ezekiel wrote: It would be Russia (Gog) that initiates an invasion of Israel, and many countries would join in, like Iran (Persia), and Turkey (the remnant of the Ottoman Empire.), and others. So, we wait upon the Lord, instilled with His peace, and His hope, trusting in Him.

“The LORD shall reign forever and ever.” - Exodus 15:8

Bobservations Column: Audio Version

Sunday Morning Message:

Zechariah 8:18 - 9:8 - "Peace, Prosperity, Then A Burden" - Part 6

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

As we finish Zechariah chapter 8, few verses in the Bible leave our hearts more hopeful than the verses we will be looking at today. They're unbelievably practical yet unbelievably rich. In these verses, the LORD allows his people to peek behind the curtain, showing them what the future holds for his people. In doing so, he's telling his people that he will do the miraculous on their behalf. He will transform tears into laughter, hopelessness into hopefulness, and barrenness into fruitfulness. They will no longer be a people who mourn the past; they will become a people who celebrate it. Their city will no longer be a barren land that the neighboring countries mock; they will become a fortress to the nations where people from all over come to reside. They will be a city without walls, a royal priesthood, a people who dwell with God.

Zechariah 9:1-8 prophesies God’s judgment on the surrounding nations (Syria, Phoenicia, and Philistia) while promising protection for His people, Zion. It highlights the downfall of proud, wealthy cities like Tyre and the conversion of a Philistine remnant, ultimately declaring that God will guard His Temple, preventing any further oppressors from entering.

Sometimes it may seem as if God is moving slowly. And when it appears that God is moving slowly, there's a temptation to think that God doesn't care. But today's passage teaches us that this is the farthest thing from the truth. God is not on a couch; he's on a throne. He is not idle; he is active. He is not indifferent; he cares. Where, at times, it may seem like there are no repercussions for sin, today's passage reminds us that God sees all things and will deal justly with sin. The Lord will begin to call out names. He is specific with his judgment. In His appointed time the Lord to return to his people and He will pronounce judgment on all of her enemies.

Sunday Morning Audio Message:

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

The Fasts (8:18, 19) - Fasts become feasts.  The fourth and final response to the delegation from Bethel notes how national days of fasting and mourning will be transformed into joyous feasts.  This was really the answer to the original question in Zechariah 7:3. Turn the fasts into feast of joy in light of the promised blessings of God.

Cheerful Feasts (8:19) - Two additional fasts were held.  In the fourth month, they commemorated the breaching of the wall of Jerusalem (2 Kings 25:3; Jeremiah 39:2-4) and in the tenth month, they remembered the beginning of the final siege of Jerusalem which began in 588 B.C. (2 Kings 25:1; Jeremiah 39:1).

It Shall Come to Pass (8:20-22) - Israel restored in millennial glory will be the means of blessing to all the world (cf. Isaiah 2:2-4; Micah 4:1-5).  Gentiles from around the world will make a pilgrimage to Jerusalem to entreat the Lord.  This signifies salvation of people from all over the world during the kingdom, fulfilling Psalm 122. 

In Those Days (8:23) - In the days in which the messianic kingdom on earth is inaugurated, the Jews will truly be God's messengers as originally intended, and will bring multitudes to Christ.  The ten-to-one ratio represents a vast number of Gentiles who will come (cf. Genesis 31:7; Leviticus 26:26; Numbers 14:22; 1 Samuel 1:8; Nehemiah 4:12).  The Messiah (Jesus), in the midst of millennial Israel, will be the attraction of the world.  People, seeing the Jews so blessed in their kingdom, will demand to go and meet the Savior King.

Burden (9:1) - A heavy, burdensome message (i.e. oracle), the prediction of a threatening even, in this case the judgment of the nations.

Hadrach (9:1) - The location is uncertain.  Possible, it is anciant Hatarika, a city mentioned in the annals of Assyrian kings, in the vicinity of Hamath.  The old Jewish tradition made it a compound name, Had meaning sharp and rach meaning soft.  The sharp/soft land could be a reference to the dual Medo-Persian kingdom.  Media was thought to be the sharp side because of its powerful conquerors like Cyrus and Persia the soft side because of its debauchery.  The cities in verses 1,2 were major cites under Medo-Persian power.

Damascus (9:1) - This city was to be the main target of the judgment of God through Alexander, upon the capital of Syria, one of Israel's worst enemies from c. 900-722 B.C.

The Eyes of Men...are on the Lord (9:1) - God's judgment through Alexander the great would be visible to all mankind especially Israel.

Hamath (9:2) - A major city, 125 miles north of Damascus on the Orontes River.  Alexander conquered these cities of the Syrian interior under Medo-Persian control, then turned to the coast moving south, conquering the cities of the Phoenicians and Philistines on the way to Egypt.

Tyre and Sidon...Are Very Wise (9:2) - Phoenician cities on the Mediterranean coast were known for their skill and wisdom (cf. Ezekiel 28:12-15) and Satanic influence (Ezekiel 28:11-19).

Tyre (9:3, 4) - This city was occupying an island one-half mile offshore, and though itself to be invincible (cf. Isaiah 23:1-4).  With walls 150 feet high in some places, it was such an impregnable city that the Assyrian Shalmaneser besieged it for five years and failed to conquer it.  Nebuchadnezzar tried for thirteen years unsuccessfully.  But Alexander, God's judgment instrument, using the rubble of the mainland city destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar, built a causeway out to the island and destroyed it in seven months.

Cut off the Pride of the Philistines (9:5,6) - The cities of Philistia were terrified at the swiftness with which Alexander the Great's army was able to conquer Tyre. Then Alexander marched south, conquering all these philistine cities and killing their national pride. 

I Will Take Away (9:7) - This judgement put an end to idolatry for many Philistines who turned to the God of Israel.  In the imagery of this verse, the nation is seen as a man with blood in his mouth (from eating sacrifices to idols) and abominations (the other defiled food of idol worship) which are removed.  The picture is of conversion to worship the true God.

Like a Jebusite (9:7) - These ancient inhabitants of Jerusalem were conquered by David (cf. 2 Samuel 5:6-11) and amalgamated into Israel.  So it will be with these Philistines.

I Will Encamp About (9:8) - This is the pledge of God's protection of Jerusalem rom Alexander.  It came true when, on his way south, Alexander treated Jerusalem with kindness. After having subjugated Egypt, he returned without doing Israel harm.

No More Shall an Oppressor Pass Through (9:8) - The supernatural and lasting protection here promised must anticipate the Second Coming of Jesus, whose coming is the subject through the rest of this message.  The transition from Alexande to Christ can be understood in this way:  If God can use a pagan king to judge the nations and save Israe, how much more will He use His righteous Son?  So, verse 8 bridges to the final judgment and deliverance of Messiah.

Prophecy Update - The Winds of Change - Part 5

 

Attention:  We are back in church this week, after a couple of bad weather weeks of freezing temperatures, snow, and dangerous roads. Lord willing, we hope to see you all back in the pews this Sunday, as we continue our on-going Prophecy Update Series (Part 5)! Blessings to all...

Bobservations' Column

Titled - Prophecy Update: "The Winds of Change" - Pt.5

Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz

The media has changed since the World Wars of the 20th Century. Once they used to show us films of human atrocities to say, “never again.” The media now shows us what they want us to see, an agenda noting their favorites, and denigrating whom they view as their enemy. They do not want us to see atrocities again. It’s the NEWS that they’d like to see occur, and it is bent around a few wealthy minds that pay them well, and who share the agenda of their own Uber-Wealthy Master(s) that hide in supposed anonymity.

The wealth and actions of Iran are currently coming into question, because they are not playing by the rules of one-world domination. The world looks to glorify humanity itself, while Iran seeks to glorify their false god under a restored Caliphate. God destroyed Babel once for attempting this. He will do it again when the time is suitable, “But the time is not yet.” Matthew 24’s “wars and rumors of wars” is playing to God’s agenda. His plans, for His Creation. Except for a Rebellious Satan and all his minions, God has not relinquished ownership of any part of His Creation.

Iran’s rulers are struggling as public protests continue there, and the great Islamic Regime has been exposed with chinks in its armor. Only 20% of Iranians support the Regime, and public demonstrations vocalize the Public’s majority desire for a return to the Monarchy of the past. Tens of thousands of demonstrators have been murdered in the streets of Tehran and other cities of Iran. The Regime now requires payment from their families to recover the bodies of the dead for humane burials. The Regime is fighting tooth and nail, as world opinion is down-played both there and in the media.

But Iran is just a distraction. Israel, and Jesus Christ are the focal points of Prophecy. Things are aligning according to God’s Prophecies, but as Matthew quotes Jesus, “the end is not yet," keep your eyes upon Jesus.

“And Peter said, … bid me come unto thee on the water. And (Jesus) said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.” - Matthew 14: 28-30

Bobservations' Column: Audio Version

Sunday Morning Message:

Zechariah 8:1-17 - "The Winds of Change" - Part 5

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

The current headlines against the nation of Israel even as it tries to defend itself against multiple enemies whose constant threat to annihilate them, makes the promises of God seem like an impossibility.

The apostle Paul makes it clear that Israel has not been rejected by God, and they remain His elect people (Romans 11:1-2). Paul confirms that there is a remnant preserved by God. The church has not replaced Israel and national Israel’s future is promised in the coming kingdom of Christ.

One day, the church will be completed – and raptured (1 Thessalonians 4:17) – and prophetic events will feature the restoration of Israel, bringing them to repentance as they are saved and restored by the grace of God (Romans 11:4). Paul writes, “A partial hardening has come up Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in (the church is completed); and in this way all Israel will be saved, as it is written (Romans 11:25-26; Isaiah 59:20).

The prophet Zechariah gives us the detail that this national repentance will occur as they see the “One whom they pierced” returning to earth (Zechariah 12:10).

Yes, Israel is God’s chosen people – and they will experience His covenant promises as prophesied. There is no reason to spiritualize away the promises of the prophets of Israel’s future home, a throne in Jerusalem, and a restored nation. God has not erased His promises to Israel.

The view that the Jewish people are a curse on the world will be completely changed into being the blessing they were always meant to be.

Zechariah 8:1-17 presents a powerful message of restoration, where God proclaims His passionate love for Zion, promising to return to Jerusalem and transform it from a desolate city of exile into a secure "city of truth." It promises peace, agricultural prosperity, and safety for all ages, while encouraging the remnant to be strong, act justly, and live truthfully.

Setting the Stage:

As a result of the night visions (Zechariah 7-8:23) which described the future of Israel, including the subjugation of her enemies, the final regathering to the land, her cleansing, restoration, and the coming of Messiah and His kingdom, the Jews were greatly encouraged and comforted. The temple was more than half done, all obstacles to the construction were removed by the decree of Darius confirming the decree of Cyrus (Ezra 6:1-14); and all was going well. This gave rise to a question by the delegation from Bethel involving the continuation of a national fast to mourn the fall of Jerusalem and the destruction of the temple. though Jerusalem had no walls yet and there were many ruins (Haggai 1:4), now that the temple was being finished, they were sent to inquire of the Lord and the priest whether they needed to continue the fast.

The question is answered negatively in chapter 7 with two messages and positively in chapter 8 with two messages. Each of the four messages was given to impress on the people of Israel to live righteously.

In Zechariah chapter 8, continuing his response to the delegation from Bethel, Zechariah contrasted Israel's past judgment with the promised future restoration. In light of past captivity, the nation was to repent and live righteously; in light of promised future blessings, Israel is to repent and life righteously. Looking to the future, Israel will be brought to a place of special blessing!

Sunday Morning Audio Message:  

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

Jealous (8:2) - Very strong language that expresses the idea that God can't bear the estrangement from His chosen people brought about by their sin, nor can He always tolerate the enemies of Israel. His love for Israel is so great that He will come in full presence to Israel again and dwell with His people. Ezekiel had the vision of God leaving Jerusalem (Ezekiel 8-11) and of His presence returning (43:1-5).

Zion (8:2) - The mountain on which ancient Jerusalem was built, which became a name for the city.

City of Truth (8:3) - A city which ss characterized by truth, both in word and in deed (vv. 8, 16), because it is ruled over by Messiah who is characterized by truth (John 14:6).

The Holy Mountain (8:3) - Zion is holy because the King who lives there is holy (Isaiah 6:3).

Old Men and Women (8:4, 5) - The most defenseless people of society will live in tranquility, peace and security (cf. Isaiah 65:20-22).
Marvellous in the Eyes (8:6) - Men tend to limit God (cf. Psalm 78:19, 20, 41), but nothing is too hard for the Lord (cf. Genesis 18:14; Jeremiah 32:17, 27).

East . . . West (8:7, 8) - The context assures that this return speaks of a worldwide regathering at the Second Advent of Christ. The return from Babylon cannot be in view also, since Israel had not been scattered to the west until the diaspora engineered by the Romans in the first century A.D.

I Will Bring Them (8:8) - Referring to Israel's national conversion spoken of in 12:10-13:1, by Jeremiah (32:38-41), and by Paul (Romans 11:25-27).

The Prophets (8:9) - This refers to Haggai and Zachariah for sure, possibly, there were non-writing prophets also.

Before These Days . . . But Now (8:10, 11) - Zechariah recalled the immediate years prior to 520 B.C., described in Haggai 1:6-11, when their hassles and intrigues with Samaritans and their love of ease and comfort developed indifference toward building the temple, resulting in divine punishment.  But since they had started again to build the temple, God would not treat the people as He had those described in verse 10.

Prosperous . . . Blessing (8:12, 13) - The richness and comprehensiveness of these prosperity promises look beyond the historical moment to the time when Messiah reigns in HIs millennial kingdom.  This will be a reversal of Deuteronomy 28:15-68 and Jeremiah 24:9; 25:18; 29:22.

Fear Ye Not (8:14, 15) - The sorrows of past judgment became the pledges of future blessings (cf. Jeremiah 32:42).

Things Ye Shall Do (8:16, 17) - As always, the promised blessings are connected with obedience to god's righteous standards.  Such obedience can only be brought about by the power of the Spirit in the life of a person who has been transformed by God's grace through faith.  The standards are reminiscent of Psalms 15:1-5; 24:4; Proverbs 6:20, 22.