9-27-18 Today in the Word

Spiritual Geography: Mountains and Valleys in Scripture OUR LORD ON THE MOUNT OF OLIVES Thursday, September 27, 2018 | Zechariah 14:1–9 At 8:10 a.m. on the morning of January 13, 2018, a heart-stopping alert was transmitted to cellphones throughout Hawaii: “Ballistic missile threat inbound to Hawaii. Seek immediate shelter. This is not a drill.” Understandably, panic ensued. For all people knew, the world as they knew it was about to end. As it turns out, the alert was the result of human error—but that was not announced until 38 minutes later. Today’s reading describes the real end of the world—the Second Coming of Christ. On that day, our risen Lord will stand on the Mount of Olives, just as He did so often during His first advent. Prior to His return, Israel’s enemies will band together and go to war, and Jerusalem will be defeated (vv. 1–2). A graphic picture is painted of ransacked homes, plundered goods, and raped women. But the phrase “I will gather” reminds us that God is in sovereign control the entire time. At the moment of apparent defeat, Christ will return as a Divine Warrior to rescue His people (vv. 3–5). He’ll stand—literally and physically and accompanied by His “holy ones”—on the Mount of Olives, from which He had ascended (see Acts 1). It will be split in two, creating a valley and a path of escape for the people of Israel. That day will be unique, neither clearly day nor night. Water sources will be miraculously revitalized, providing for the people’s needs. The Messiah “will be king over the whole earth. On that day there will be one Lord, and his name the only name” (v. 9). Jesus came to Earth the first time to serve and to die for our sins; this second time He will come to rule and to judge the entire Earth. APPLY THE WORD The phrase “day of the Lord” (v. 1) is often used in biblical prophecy and generally indicates the end times and judgment. To learn more, read 1 Thessalonians 5:1–11 and 2 Peter 3. The emphasis in these passages is not on details and timelines but rather on living godly lives in light of Christ’s return.