- Preacher: Steve Constable
- Sermon Series: Prepare to Meet Your God
- Sermon Title: Prepare for Judgement
- Scripture: Zechariah 1:1-17
INTRODUCTION TO ZECHARIAH
As a book Zechariah is written in a similar way to the opening chapters of Revelation. It is written in a kind of code language where symbols and pictures are given in visions and presented to listeners who would have understood what some of the symbols meant. As an example, in next Sunday’s reading from Zechariah 1:1-17, we are told that the angels stood among the myrtle trees. Myrtle trees were one of the symbols of Israel and her people, so the listeners are being told by God that His angels are at work among His people and for His people. So, we will read Zechariah understanding that God is speaking to us through this picture language. And where we need to understand more, we find that the narrator (Zechariah usually) is there to ask the questions we should be asking.
Broadly speaking, Zechariah is about the coming of the Kingdom of God and it’s central character – who goes by various names in the book – is none other than Jesus Christ Himself, the merciful redeemer of His people and the hope of the nations.
Why are we studying this now? Because we live in a time much like the time that faithful believers in Zechariah ‘s day lived in, where we need to be reassured that the Lord is King and He is actively bringing about His plan!
READ Zechariah 1:1-17
QUESTIONS
1. Have you ever had a vivid dream – so vivid that you were able to remember all of its crucial details when you woke up? Have you ever had a dream or experienced an impression that God was trying to to tell you something? If you would like to, share the experience with your group.
2. We are not prophets, and thankfully, God has spoken to us in a much clearer way than dreams, through the Bible (His word that stands forever – Zech. 1:5-6). In this dream world that is being described to Zechariah, what do you gather these things are pictures of? Are these images merely symbolic or are they showing real actors and events? What in the passage leads you to this conclusion?
3. In this first of eight night visions, Zechariah sees scouts on horseback who have been sent out to find out the truth about how the world is. We know intellectually that God knows everything but what does this scenario show us about not only His knowledge but His justice, His fairness and His desire to act on behalf of His people?
4. In verse 11 the riders return with the news that “all the earth remains at rest.” Why does this report upset the angel of the Lord? For what and to whom does He cry out on response?
5. How does what he says help us as we pray for a world that is so deaf to God and so smugly at rest about its own situation? How do you think God would have us pray for the world and for His own suffering people?
6. How do you respond to reading that God is “exceedingly angry” with the nations and “exceedingly jealous” (having love and deep concern) for His people? How does it clarify things to read that God will respond with mercy?
7. As we respond to the news, the world around us, and to God’s people – how does this passage change the way we will act or pray today? What hope does this vision give you?
Close in prayer by praising our sovereign, just and merciful LORD who has sent Jesus Christ.