7-28-19 Today in the Word

Zechariah: Return to the Lord
THE LORD’S RETURN
Sunday, July 28, 2019 | Zechariah 14:1–5

From Mad Max to the animated Disney film WALL-E, popular books and movies reveal society’s persistent obsession with the apocalypse. Typically, a few brave survivors navigate a blasted landscape trying to restore human society or at least keep it intact. Ironically, the biblical idea of apocalypse focuses on something else. The term apocalypse comes from a Greek word that means “to reveal.” This is why the New Testament’s primary apocalyptic book is called the book of Revelation.
The book of Zechariah has much in common with Revelation. Much of the book focuses on the return of Christ and events that surround it, especially chapters 9–14. The New Testament book of Revelation echoes many of its themes and images. Zechariah’s prophecies repeatedly return to the final siege of Jerusalem, the Second Coming, and the establishment of Messiah’s rule. As we finish the study of this book by exploring its final chapter, we will see that it returns to the Second Coming, the kingdom of God, God’s plans for Jerusalem, and the reign of Christ.
Chapter 14 begins by speaking of the “day of the Lord.” Whenever this phrase appears in Scripture, it often refers to a time of divine judgment. In this case, it refers to the final siege of Jerusalem and the Lord’s defense. Verse 4 reveals an important detail when it says: “On that day his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem, and the Mount of Olives will be split in two from east to west, forming a great valley, with half of the mountain moving north and half moving south.” This verse not only mentions the location where Christ will return but also makes it clear that He will return in person. His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives.
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When Jesus comes again, He will not be alone. He will bring “all the angels” with Him (Matt. 25:31). If you have trusted in Him as your Savior, you will be there too! Colossians 3:4 promises: “When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.”

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