7-29-19 Today in the Word

Zechariah: Return to the Lord
KING OF KINGS
Monday, July 29, 2019 | Zechariah 14:6–9

On May 19, 1790, New England experienced a remarkable “day of darkness.” The day began cloudy and cool with light rain. However, as the day progressed the sky grew darker so that by midday, the sun could not be seen at all. Many people feared that the day of judgment had come.
It is easy to see why, given today’s passage which describes the day of the Lord as one where “there will be neither sunlight nor cold, frosty darkness” (v. 6). According to verse 7 the day of Christ’s return will be a “unique day—a day known only to the Lord.” Cosmic changes will make this day one of a kind. Jesus spoke of that day as one in which “the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken” (Matt. 24:29).
Not only will the return of Christ bring judgment on God’s enemies, but it will also usher in a new creation. Living water will flow out from Jerusalem (v. 8). This picture corresponds to the one we find in the book of Revelation which depicts the river of the water of life flowing from the throne of God. The river will be spanned on each side by the tree of life (Rev. 22:1–2). Zechariah doesn’t mention the throne but rather the one who sits upon it. “The Lord will be king over the whole earth” (v. 9).
At that time Jesus will not rule alone. He promised the disciples, “Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel” (Matt. 19:28).
APPLY THE WORD
Very often we live as if this world is the only one that matters. Reading of the Lord’s return reminds us that God’s plan for our life is far greater. Thank God today for His promise of your eternal future, and may He remind you that, in Him, there is so much more than this world offers!

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