God gives Zechariah a prophec...

God gives Zechariah a prophecy of judgment against the enemies of Israel such as Tyre, Sidon, and the city-states of the Philistines. These nations and cities all had power and prestige but none of it mattered when it came to God’s judgment. - P118

But while God’s judgment is thorough and complete, He also promises to leave a remnant that will become engrafted into His people. - P118

Those who were once enemies are now friends. It is amazing to think that God would save those who were rightfully destined for judgment. - P118

He still does this in the life of every Christian. When Christ paid the penalty for our enmity, He made us who were once opposed to Him part of His people. - P118

Dear heavenly Father, send me as someone who will help reconcile to You those who are far from You - P119

. I thank you that I do not have to be afraid of opposition because You have promised to protect me and to never leave me. In Jesus’ name, amen. - P119

21and the inhabitants of one ...

21and the inhabitants of one city will go to another and say, ‘Let us go at once to entreat the Lord and seek the Lord Almighty. I myself am going.’

22And many peoples and powerful nations will come to Jerusalem to seek the Lord Almighty and to entreat him."

- P113

23This is what the Lord Almighty says: "In those days ten people from all languages and nations will take firm hold of one Jew by the hem of his robe and say, ‘Let us go with you, because we have heard that God is with you.’"

- P113

The Lord promises to turn times of fasting into joyful festivals. He urges thepeople to love truth and peace. Many nations and peoples will come to seekthe Lord in Jerusalem. Ten people from different languages will take hold ofone Jew and ask to go with him because they have heard God is with them. - P113

God proclaims that fasts will become festivals for the people of Judah. Therefore, He instructs His people to love truth and peace. This love is not an emotional response; it is a commitment and an expression of their devotion. Fasts were an occasion to display or express sorrow whereas festivals were an occasion for joy. God’s promise and command show that He is the one who will turn all sorrow into joy. - P114

In Jesus, He turned the sorrow of our sin and condemnation into the joy of forgiveness and freedom. - P114

We celebrate the salvation and transformation that Jesus alone brings. And because of the joy that He gives, we find the strength to live as people who love truth and pursue peace. - P114

Zechariah tells of a time when people from many cities and nations willencourage one another to seek the one true God. When they hear that Godis with His people, they too will long for His presence. Those who followChrist are given the mission to call people to turn to God. We are to bedriven by the desire to see many receive His forgiveness and live at peacewith Him. God‘s promises in this passage are an encouragement to us as weshare God‘s message with others. When we face rejection and opposition,
we can remind ourselves that God is at work in people‘s hearts throughoutthe world, drawing many to Himself, and He invites us to work with Him. - P114

The Jewish people returned fr...

The Jewish people returned from their seventy-year captivity in Babylon before Zechariah’s ministry. Now God promises that His presence will once again be with them. He also promises that His people scattered across the nations will be gathered again to live in the promised land. - P110

In the New Testament, the promised land is sometimes used as a metaphor for heaven. As believers, we can look forward to one day returning to the home we were created for. We should not get comfortable here because this is not our home. - P110

For now, we are in exile, pilgrims putting up tents in a foreign land. But because God always keeps His promises to His people, He will lead us where we will fully enjoy His presence forever.
- P110

Zechariah continues to deliver the Lord‘s message to the people. He tellsthem that, although in the past they fought with their enemies, now Godwill make them a blessing to those around them. But they have some in-structions to follow: they must be truthful, avoid planning evil, and honortheir commitments (vv. 16-17). Then God will make them into a nationthat blesses - P110

16These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment in your courts;

17do not plot evil against each other, and do not love to swear falsely. I hate all this," declares the Lord.

- P109

. Similarly, Jesus unites people from all nations, empoweringthem through the Holy Spirit to bless others.  - P110

As Christians, we are calledto pray for our enemies and seek the good of others even when they don‘tseek the same for us.  - P110

Only Jesus can truly change the heart of a person sothat they can care for others in such a counter-cultural way. - P110

Heavenly Father, Your Word reminds me that heaven is my true eternal home. Help me to remember this truth when life becomes challenging. While I live on this earth, make me a blessing to those around me. In Jesus’ name, amen. - P110

[오늘의 한문장] 리빙라이프 Living Life 2025.10 (영문판)

A group of men ask Zechariah whether they should mourn and fast as they did during the exile. But God turns their question around, asking them through Zechariah whether they were fasting for Him or for themselves (v. 6). Practicing spiritual disciplines such as fasting, prayer, and church-going, should be done for the right reasons. Is our fasting an attempt to make us feel pious and devoted, to mask disobedience in other areas of our life? Is our praying an attempt to manipulate God and bend Him to our will? - P106

Through Zechariah, God makes clear that He wants us to be authentic, truly seeking His will as we practice spiritual disciplines. - P106

God wants our heartfelt devotion, not self-seeking religion. - P106

Dear God, You are not impressed by appearances of piety. You want my heart’s affections and my desire to be for You above all else. Make me an instrument of blessing to others who are in need, that they may experience Your love and grow in faith. In Jesus’ name, amen. - P107

13It is he who will build the...

13It is he who will build the temple of the Lord, and he will be clothed with majesty and will sit and rule on his throne. And he will be a priest on his throne. And there will be harmony between the two.’ - P101

Zechariah sees four chariots coming from between two mountains, pulled byhorses of various colors. The angel explains they are the four spirits of heavengoing out from standing before the Lord to patrol the earth. Then, Zechariahcrowns Joshua the high priest and declares him as the Branch who will buildthe temple. He will be clothed with majesty and be a priest upon the throne. - P101

Zechariah sees four chariots coming from between two mountains ofbronze and learns from the angel that they are spirits of heaven going outto the four corners of the world. Special attention is given to those goingnorth to unleash God‘s judgment on Babylon, predicting the conquest ofthe Babylonians by the Persians, which allowed God‘s people to returnhome from captivity.  - P102

Babylon is often referenced metaphorically in theNew Testament to represent a place that is sinful and opposed to God.
And God promises that one day a Branch will come and rule as king andpriest. These promises are ultimately fulfilled in Christ. The restoration thatbegan with the rescue of God‘s people from Babylon culminates on thecross, where God rescued His people from sin.  - P102

The prophetic messages ofjudgment and mercy on the cross. Jesus satisfied God‘s judgmentand expresses Hismercy, now available to all who will believe. - P102

Dear Jesus, thank you for being the Branch-our King and Priest. Becauseof You, we have become temples where the Holy Spirit dwells. Help us to befaithful in each role You have given us. In Your name, amen. - P103