Through The Bible - English - 34 (Zechariah) by Zac Poonen
Summary
The sermon uses Zechariah's prophecy to emphasize the importance of fellowship and God's ongoing care for His people, particularly the Church. It highlights that God's love for Jerusalem (representing the Church) is passionate, assuring believers that even when they feel small or isolated, the Lord is watching over them. Furthermore, the message warns that the enemy attacks the Church from all directions, but God raises up His servants to defeat these forces.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Older and younger prophets working togetherHaggai and Zechariah prophesied together as a picture of New Covenant fellowship where believers work in pairs rather than in isolation.
An overview of the book of ZechariahThe book divides into three sections: eight visions in chapters 1 through 6, messages on hypocrisy and restoration in chapters 7 and 8, and prophecies about the Messiah in chapters 9 through 14.
The first vision: Myrtle trees and the Lord's watchA man among myrtle trees reports that the whole earth is at peace, showing that God watches over His people even in small and lowly places.
The second vision: Four horns and four blacksmithsThe four horns represent world powers that scatter God's people, while the four blacksmiths are God's servants raised up to terrify and destroy those opposing forces.
The third vision: Measuring Jerusalem and the wall of fireGod declares He will be a wall of fire around Jerusalem instead of depending on earthly membership lists or denominational walls.
The cleansing and crowning of JoshuaJoshua stands before the Lord with filthy garments while Satan accuses him, but God removes his dirty clothes and clothes him in righteousness.
The fifth vision: The golden lampstand and olive treesThe golden lampstand is supplied automatically by oil from two olive trees, picturing the continuous ministry of the Holy Spirit through united servants.
The flying scroll and the woman in the basketA flying scroll brings judgment on thieves and liars, and a vision of a woman in a measuring basket depicts hidden wickedness and commercialism disguised as religion.
Chariots of judgment and the crowning of the branchFour chariots go out across the earth to execute God's judgment, and silver and gold gifts are brought to crown Joshua as a picture of Christ.
Empty rituals versus true mercyGod rebukes the people for fasting out of self-pleasing rather than showing true mercy, justice, and care for the poor and vulnerable.
Generations together and avoiding false prophetsJerusalem is pictured with old and young playing together without a generation gap, while warnings are given against false prophets who act like fortune tellers for money.
Shepherd staffs of grace and unityThe prophet takes two staffs named Grace and Unity, emphasizing that true church life requires both freedom from sin's mastery and genuine oneness among believers.Romans 6:14
The coming day of the Lord and the removal of businessZechariah concludes with the coming of the Lord to the Mount of Olives and a final picture of a purified church where business and self-gain are entirely gone.
