Zechariah 1:1-21 ~ Revelation 12:1-17 ~ Psalm 140:1-13 ~ Proverbs 30:17
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Old Testament - Today we start the book of the prophet Zechariah! You’ll note that we are now at the 2nd to the last book of the Old Testament. Malachi is after Zechariah – and we’ll be camped out in this book for quite a few days. Zechariah was a prophet during the post-exile (returned from Babylon) period at about the same time Haggai was a prophet. Both started their prophecies in 520 B.C. – however, Zechariah prophesied for many more years going forward – probably until about 480/475 B.C. Zechariah’s name means, “The Lord remembers,” which is fitting for this book. God is remembering his covenant promise to the Israelites in this post-exilic period. Zechariah’s prophecies are similar to Haggai’s in that he is encouraging the Israelites to rebuild the temple. Zechariah is a wonderful book, filled with 8 night visions, 4 messages, and 2 oracles. A good overview of the book of Zechariah is online at bible.org at this link.
Chapter 1 verse 3 stood out to me in today’s readings: “Return to me, and I will return to you, says the LORD Almighty.'” What a great calling and promise from God! Return to me – and I will return to you. Are there areas in your life where you need to change your ways and return to God? If you change our ways, or repent, and return to God, do you believe that God will also return blessings to you for this act of repentance? Will you return to God? Why would this be wise? Is it a risky waste of time to be apart from God? Will you no longer turn back?
In verse 8 we begin to read about Zechariah’s night visions. It is interesting to note that all 8 of his visions in this book take place in 1 night. Visions are different from dreams in that Zechariah is an in an awake state while these visions occur. You’ll note that the four horsemen described here are very similar to the “four horsemen of the apocalypse” described by John in Revelation chapter 6, which we recently read. The four horns in verse 18 are thought to represent Assyria, Egypt, Babylon, and Persia and the four blacksmiths in verse 20 are thought to represent Egypt, Babylon, Persia, and Greece. Below are the visions of Zechariah from a 14th century illuminated Bible:
New Testament – In Revelation chapter 12 today we read about the Woman and the Dragon! The woman is representative of the believing Messianic community and the twelve stars represent Israel’s twelve tribes. The red dragon is Satan. In verse 5 we read about Jesus: “She gave birth to a boy who was to rule all nations with an iron rod. And the child was snatched away from the dragon and was caught up to God and to his throne.” The “caught up” part of this verse is representative of Jesus’ ascension into heaven. Below is artist Pat Marvenko Smith's "The Woman and the Dragon" -
Art used by permission by Pat Marvenko Smith, copyright 1992.
To order prints visit her "Revelation Illustrated" site.
In verse 7 we read about Michael the Archangel, who we recently read about in the book of Daniel chapter 12 verse 1 when Daniel is prophesying about the end times: “"At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people-everyone whose name is found written in the book-will be delivered.” In the remainder of the chapter we see a war in the spiritual realm, with Satan becoming alarmed that his time is short and increasingly angry at those who love God.
To order prints visit her "Revelation Illustrated" site.
Verse 10 stood out to me in today’s readings: “Then I heard a loud voice shouting across the heavens, "It has happened at last--the salvation and power and kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ!” What a great proclamation! Are you looking forward to the salvation and power and kingdom of God? And do you believe in the authority of Jesus Christ?
Below is an incredible image for verses 13 & 14: "When the dragon realized that he had been thrown down to the earth, he pursued the woman who had given birth to the male child. But she was given two wings like those of a great eagle so she could fly to the place prepared for her in the wilderness. There she would be cared for and protected from the dragon for a time, times, and half a time."
To order prints visit her "Revelation Illustrated" site.
And below is an incredible image for verses 15-17: "Then the dragon tried to drown the woman with a flood of water that flowed from his mouth. But the earth helped her by opening its mouth and swallowing the river that gushed out from the mouth of the dragon. And the dragon was angry at the woman and declared war against the rest of her children—all who keep God’s commandments and maintain their testimony for Jesus."
To order prints visit her "Revelation Illustrated" site.
Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Revelation chapter 12 titled "The Angelic Conflict" is at this link and "This Means War!" is at this link.
Psalms - Psalm 140 is a prayer for deliverance from evil. And this Psalm certainly should be a good reminder of the Lord’s Prayer, where we pray – “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” What is the one thing that can truly deliver us from evil? Can we deliver ourselves from evil on our own? Or do we need something beyond ourselves for this deliverance?
Verse 7 in this Psalm gives each of us something to consider and should be an encouragement: “O Sovereign LORD, my strong savior, you protected me on the day of battle.” Do you believe God is your strong savior who will protect you from evil on the day of battle? Do you believe that perhaps every day is a day of battle? Do you believe that Satan or evil ever rests in attempting to tempt people? Should we pray for protection from evil on a very regular basis? The Lord’s Prayer / Our Father is one great way to do this each day…
From 1928’s Book of Common Prayer: “Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.” Lord, teach us how to pray...
Proverbs - Proverbs chapter 30 verse 17 teaches us today: "The eye that mocks a father and despises a mother will be plucked out by ravens of the valley and eaten by vultures." This Proverb is another great reminder to honor our parents, as one of the Ten Commandments teaches us. How are your eyes toward your parents these days?
YouTube - Today's readings in Revelation remind me of the Chris Tomlin song "Let God Arise!"
Comments from you: What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!
God bless,
Mike
I too love Zech v.3, 'Return to me and I will return to you'. I love it! How faithful God is!!! when we stray, He never hesitates to take us back...and not condemingly, but lovingly! His mercy and forgivness are truely beyond human comprehension. How many times has He welcomed me back with open arms (as the prodigal son's father) and just bestows his love on me!
Rev is fascinating! The "woman" is not an actual woman but represents Israel...through which Christ came. Israel is often protrayed as a woman in that she is protrayed in the Old Testament as God's wife.... and also as a pregnant woman because of the constant suffering of the nation.
v. 7 is fascinating!!! War broke out in heaven. there has always been warfare since satan's fall...but here's what my study Bible says: "Something will intensify this warfare-possibly the raptured saints passing through the realm of the prince of the power of the air (cf.Eph 2:2)"
Wow!!! Woohoo! Not a happy day for those on earth tho..but those who standfast in their faith will be rewarded in eternity!
In reference to your blog...yes indeed, every day is a battle! As a younger believer I didnt see this much but now I see every single day...I need God's strength and NO WAY can I go at it alone! I tried in the past...haha, my strength is a joke...i have no strength. Every day is a new attack from the enemy...we must be prepared!--through prayer, God's word, memorized scripture, obedience and TRUST that God will protect us. He will! he does! Every day I need to ask for God's protection (from the enemy)....otherwise, I'm in for it!
speaking of...cant wait to get to the part in Rev. where satan is slam dunked in the abyss, haha! he's such a jerk!
Posted by: Jenny | December 20, 2007 at 03:11 PM
Again, beautiful Psalm readings!
140:7 - "O Sovereign LORD, my strong savior, you protected me on the day of battle."
I really believe that every day is a battle. Some days are exhausting battles and other days I defeat the enemy and it's a good battle! I trust God completely that He can protect me. I have to admit though that with hard attacks from Satan it can be hard to think straight. And it can be scary! My pastor knows about my struggles and he can always help me through days like this. Praise the Lord for my pastor! Like I said in yesterdays reading, I was saved not too long ago. And I think that Satan is tempting me harder now, because he might hope that I'll change my mind. I WILL NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm still a baby in this, you know. He probably hopes he can get me off the path, well, good luck with that! God will protect me, I know He always will! I pray for His protection every day, He knows I really need it. I need it to let me heart grow, I need it to be a blessings to others.
Posted by: Mae | December 20, 2007 at 03:11 PM
I also like Zech v. 3. It is awesome that God is so faithful :) God loves us no matter what. I mean people can treat him as if he is the worst person on earth and he still loves them.
I had no idea that the "woman" was Israel. How fascinating?? I mean I never thought of it in that sense. And to think that war broke out in Heaven as it does on earth.
Posted by: Brandie | December 20, 2007 at 03:11 PM
Psalm 140 was written by David. And to me, David, is writing about the cry for relief(vv. 1-7) and retribuion(vv.8-11).
Vs.1 Rescue me O' Lord from evil men; Preserve me from violent men.
Vs.4 Keep me O' Lord from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from violent men, who have purposed to trip up my feet.
David then praises God for who He is and what He does, listener and protector...
V6. I said to the Lord Thou art me Lord Give ear my Lord to the voice of my supplications.
v7. O God the Lord the strength of my salavtion. THou hast covered my head in the day of battle.
Then in v. 8 he starts to cry out for retribution...
v8. Do not grant O Lord the desires of the wicked, do not promote his evil device, lest they be exalted.
v10 May burning coals fall upon them; may they be cast into the fire, Into the pits from which they can not rise.
And as you will see towards the end of the Psalm(vv 12-13) he is confident that God will answer his call.
v12. I know that the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and justice for the poor.
v13. Surly the righteous wi;; give thanks to thy name, and the upright will dwell in thy presence.
Posted by: BJ | December 20, 2007 at 03:12 PM
Its colorful and beautiful article on “one year Bible reading” I like this post very very much especially the new testament and old testament with great colorful images and Proverbs, thank you.
Posted by: CC | December 21, 2007 at 04:28 AM
The images of spiritual battle in Revelation have become more of a reality for me as I've gotten older. I've been a Christian going on 20 yrs now and I still find myself in awe as in the first day I was saved. I have to remember to rely on God everyday for strength. It's so easy to think I can go it alone. Even after 20 yrs I seem to fall into this same sin. Praise God for his mercy and strength.
Posted by: Jim | December 21, 2007 at 04:44 AM
Title: " The Future of Jerusalem"
Vers 9 - "Then will I purify the lips of the people that all of them may call on the name of the Lord and serve him shoulder to shoulder"
The purifying of the grace of the Lord, will teach men to use the language of humility, repentance, and faith.
This is what Psalm 140:9 said today:" Let the heads of those who surrend me be covered with the trouble their lips have caused."
This could be a pray - thought for today.
Be blessed!
Posted by: Cherry Blossom | December 21, 2007 at 04:33 PM
The Dragon is not only a symbol of Satan, it is also a symbol of China. As in "The year of the Dragon". It is the only mythical symbol in their zodiac. Chinesse also wait for the child to be born. If it is a girl they get rid of it. In Revelaton: "The Dragon waits for the child to be born so that he can devour it." I am sorry but the story fits perfectly into current events. We are in Revelation now. The next "Year of the Dragon" is in 2012.
Posted by: Cherly Hoyst | June 19, 2008 at 05:00 PM