Peace to the Nations

July 2, 2023 Background Scripture: Zechariah 9:9 - 17 Lesson Passage: Zechariah 9:9 - 13, 16, 17 Today's Lesson continues our study of some major prophecies from the Minor Prophets. Zechariah was a contemporary of Malachi and Haggai. Those three prophets had the unenviable task of ministering to the Jewish exiles who were returning to Jerusalem. Previously, this city was home to one of the wonders of the world, the Temple constructed under King Solomon's guidance. Dignitaries traveled from other countries just to see it. That walled city seemed to be the safest place in Canaan—even more so than Jericho! It was all destroyed by the Babylonian invasion. The wall around Jerusalem was breached, and the Temple and other structures were looted and then burned to the ground. The first returning exiles worked to rebuild the wall for general protection of the residents, and restoration of a Temple as a place of worship. The results fell far short of the splendor of the previous wall and buildings. Many of the exiles felt dejected and abandoned by God. God sent those three prophets at that appointed time to minister to the Jews who returned to Jerusalem after the seventy-year captivity. Even Zechariah's name was a reminder to the returning exiles. Zechariah means "The Lord Remembers". His name was a constant reminder that God remembers the plight of His people. God was going to judge the enemies of His people and God would restore His people. In the Background Scripture, Zechariah prophesied about the coming of the long-awaited King. The King would not ride into the city of Jerusalem on a steed as a mighty man-of-war prepared to lead an army. Rather, He would ride into the city in humility on a donkey. Jerusalem's King would arrive as a Man of Peace and not a Man of War. The King would usher in universal peace by destroying the instruments of war, bows and chariots. Jesus fulfilled part of that prophecy on Palm Sunday when He rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. He offered Himself as a Man of Peace in His first advent. As it is with much of biblical prophecy, there is a short-term and a long-term fulfillment. Jesus offered Himself as King first without bringing universal peace. In His second advent, He will destroy the instruments of war and usher in eternal peace. God promised to restore double what the Jews had lost. This is reminiscent of how God dealt with Job. After all that Job endured at the hands of Satan, God restored double for his trouble. This will be part of their ultimate deliverance that God promised them. They will be restored beyond their previous splendor. Again, God will nurture His flock with everything they have need of. There is a great expanse of time between the King' s first advent and His "yet to come" second advent. Children of God should not lose hope because of the passing of time. God has everything firmly under control. Today, we hear of wars and rumors of wars. Therefore, we can see that ultimate peace is still part of the future restoration in this world. Precious promises from God, such as the ones in this lesson, should engender hope in the children of God. No matter how bad circumstances may appear, God is still in control. God determines the ultimate outcome of all situations. And in the fulness of time, God will reveal to this world everything He gave His prophets to declare. So, we freely speak of peace to the nations of this world. Some days it may seem as though it will never happen. But if we trust God's promises, then we know that there will be peace to the nations. And the King, Jesus, will make it all possible. Robert C. Hudson June 28, 2023