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This is a podcast sharing thoughts and insights for the accompanying the daily reading schedule for the book, Reading the Bible Cover to Cover in 365 Days.
Welcome to day 362 of Reading the Bible Cover to Cover in 365 Days!
Let us pray:
O Lord, thank You for teaching us more about You daily as we read Your Word. Teach us more about you today. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Let’s see what Zechariah has for us today in chapter 9!
Zechariah writes about other nations God had plans to overtake, much like other prophets foretold. All the cities and places mentioned in this chapter were overtaken by Alexander the Great. There is a fantastic story about how Alexander left Jerusalem alone while conquering other cities and nations. He even gave an offering to God while he met with the high priest of Jerusalem. I’ll put the link to this story in this episode's show notes. https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/zechariah%209/
God promised He was watching over Jerusalem and that nothing would harm them. In verse 9, He said, “Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O Daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King comes to you; He is just and having salvation, patient, meek, lowly, and riding on a donkey, upon a colt, the foal of a donkey.” God tells His people to rejoice because He is sending the Messiah. He tells them about the character of His Son and how they shall recognize it is Him when He comes. Matthew 21:5 and John 12:14-15 are referenced here in this chapter. We have read these passages often during our study this year so they are familiar to us.
God promises to restore His people by doubling their previous prosperity. He tells them He will be fighting for them, making them like the sword of a mighty man. God will blow the trumpet of war for them and fight for them. Verse 15 promises that He will defend and protect them.
Verse 16 says, “And the Lord their God will save them on that day as the flock of His people, for they shall be as the [precious] jewels of a crown, lifted high over and shining glitteringly upon His land.” The Lord lifts His people so that they are like jewels on a crown sitting on a king’s head. He could give them no other vision that would raise them higher. Let’s continue to seek the Lord and thank Him for making a way for us to be part of His royal family through Jesus.
In chapter 10, God tells His people to ask Him for rain. The people relied on God to water their crops, and God told them to ask for it, and He will grant them their requests. During their 70-year exile, God turned away from them. They weren’t accustomed to asking anything from Him, but now God talks about double restoration. He wants the people to reach out to Him, rely on Him, and see His goodness as He responds to them. God is the same today. He wants us to lean into Him, rely on Him, and ask Him for what we need. May we ask for what we need knowing that the Lord is gracious and mighty and desires to give us those things.
Next, God reminds them that their false idols – the ones they previously prayed for rain – could not help them. God’s people were like sheep who couldn’t see, sheep without a shepherd. But God had plans to send them His Son, a Shepherd, who will be their Cornerstone.
Then, God promises to strengthen Judah, the ten tribes of Israel, and the house of Joseph. He tells them He has mercy, loving-kindness, and compassion for them, and they will be like they were before, but even better. Verse 12 says, “I will strengthen [Israel] in the Lord, and they shall walk up and down and glory in His name, says the Lord.” God’s promises are for us as well. He strengthens us, and we rejoice and glorify His name. Keep God’s promises close to you. Write them down, read them often, and memorize them to inscribe them in your heart for when difficult times arise. We can remain strong in the Lord no matter what the circumstances around us try and tell us.
Let’s see what we can learn from Proverbs 31!
This proverb was written by King Lemuel, whom we know nothing about. Some theologians identify him as Solomon with the advice written here from his mother, Bathsheba. Some believe King Lemuel may have been a king of a pagan nation with a mother who believed in God. Either way, this proverb comes from a king's mother and is very wise indeed.
She cautions him against drinking wine and strong drinks. It is not good for a king’s law, order, and justice to be polluted with drunkenness. However, she teaches him it is ok for others to use it for medicine and broken hearts.
She advises her son to stand up for the defenseless, the poor, and those without a voice. She advises him to judge righteously.
The rest of the chapter is dedicated to the aspects of a woman of virtue. She is trustworthy. She comforts and encourages her husband.
Verse 15 says, “She rises while it is yet night and gets spiritual food for her household.” She tends to the physical and spiritual things for herself and her household. Verse 30 says, “Charm and grace are deceptive, and beauty is vain [because it is not lasting], but a woman who reverently and worshipfully fears the Lord, she shall be praised!” Yes, a woman of faith who gives worship and reverence to God is certainly something to aspire to for both women and men. May we continue to worship and honor the Lord in all we do.
Verse 20 speaks to the poor again and says, “She opens her hand to the poor, yes, she reaches out her filled hands to the needy [whether in body, mind, or spirit].” May we have compassion for those less fortunate than ourselves and offer what we can. God’s Word repeatedly tells us to help the poor.
Let us pray:
O Lord, thank You for teaching us more about You and Your heart. Father, we pray You lead and guide as You have been leading and guiding Your people for thousands of years. May we hearken to Your voice. May we obey You and never stop seeking to know You better. In Jesus’ name,