Prophecy Update: The Winds of Change - Part 5

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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:  Upload Coming Soon!

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.