Israel Transformed in The Day of The Lord

Zechariah 12:1–14
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In this chapter the final siege of Jerusalem is described. The fate of Israel is pronounced by the Lord (v.1). He says, I will make Jerusalem and Judah like a cup of poison to all the nearby nations that send their armies to surround Jerusalem (v. 2) Also pictured is the deliverance of Jerusalem from the siege, and the kingdom blessing that follows. Jerusalem will be a heavy stone burdening the world. Even though all the nations of the earth make an attempt to move her, they will all be crushed (v. 3).

The attackers of Jerusalem become like drunken men, powerless and unable to function properly (vv. 4-5). On that day, The Lord will make the leaders of Judah like fire in a forest (v. 6). He will make them like fire among wheat that the farmer has cut. They will kill all the people from surrounding Jerusalem, but the people in Jerusalem will be safe (v. 6).

The Lord will save the homes of the people from Judah first (v. 7). This message isn’t just for the professional and prominent people. So David’s family and the people who live in Jerusalem will not be greater than the people from Judah (v. 8). On that day, the Lord will save the people who live in Jerusalem. Even sick people will be as strong as King David was (v. 9). The family of David will lead the people from Jerusalem like the angel of the Lord. God himself will go before them. Those who fight against Jerusalem will in the end be destroyed. God says, “It is my plan to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem” (v. 9). The preceding verses have told what God will bring to Israel’s enemies which is destruction.  Now, the prophet records what God will do for Israel which is regeneration (v. 10). Eventually all people will realize that the man who was pierced and killed, is indeed the Messiah (vv. 11-14).

Application

I should never think that I have to witness to just important people such as movie stars, professional athletes and wealthy businessmen. Christ came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10) no matter what their state in life may be. Lord help me to be an active witness.