BIBLICAL PROFILES

The Prophet Zechariah

With all that is in the news regarding Israel recently, I have been saturating myself with biblical readings about God’s chosen people. It is nearly impossible to seek out scripture pertaining to the future of the Holy Land without landing on the book of Zechariah.

Zechariah was a minor prophet whom God used to minister to the small remnant of Jews who, after their people were exiled to Babylon, had returned to Judah to rebuild both their nation and the temple.

One thing God has highlighted for me as I’ve studied Zechariah is that God truly does ordain His purpose for each of our lives. I know! We say that over and over in this ministry. But let’s take a look at Zechariah and his unlikely calling.

God positioned Zechariah to minister to and encourage those doing the oh-so-important work of rebuilding the temple and the Holy Land. We are the body of Christ, which means we all need to do our part. In Women World Leaders, we have so many people who fill so many roles. Without each person doing what God has ordained, we could not, as a ministry, do what He has called us to do.

Sometimes, our role is surprising—even to us! Although he was young, God gave Zechariah the all-important position of warning the people. This position of warning is one we might expect an elder to hold. But despite his lack of advanced years, Zechariah did the job God created him to do. And he didn’t sugar-coat the hard truth that the people needed to hear: turning away from the Lord had significantly contributed to their ancestors’ persecution. “The Lord was very angry with your ancestors…‘Return to me,’ declares the Lord Almighty, ‘and I will return to you,’…Do not be like your ancestors…they would not listen or pay attention to me, declares the Lord” (Zechariah 1:24 NIV).

Through Zechariah, God relayed unimaginable hope. God gave Zechariah visions, and he was obedient in sharing those with the people. Imagine working manual labor day in and day out rebuilding your city, even as many in Israel are called to today, and hearing the words of God through the mouth of the prophet, ‘Jerusalem will be a city without walls…And I myself will be a wall of fire around it,’ declares the Lord, ‘and I will be its glory within’ (Zechariah 2:4-5 NIV). God is the glory of Israel!

As we continue to read through Zechariah, the second overarching lesson I was reminded of from Zechariah’s prophesies is that God is in control, and His protection of Israel and His people is real!

“After the Glorious One has sent me against the nations that have plundered you—for whoever touches you touches the apple of his eye—I will surely raise my hand against them” (Zechariah 2:89 NIV).

“If you will walk in obedience to me and keep my requirements, then you will govern my house and have charge of my courts” (Zechariah 3:7 NIV).

“This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel, ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty” (Zechariah 4:6 NIV).

“The seed will grow well, the vine will yield its fruit, the ground will produce its crops, and the heavens will drop their dew. I will give all these things as an inheritance to the remnant of this people. Just as you, Judah and Israel, have been a curse among the nations, so I will save you, and you will be a blessing. Do not be afraid, but let your hands be strong” (Zechariah 8:12-13 NIV).

GOD CALLS US TO STAND FOR HIM AND ALL
THAT HE IS, AS HE HIMSELF STANDS FOR JERUSALEM.

“These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to each other and render true and sound judgment in your courts; do not plot evil against each other, and do not love to swear falsely. I hate all this,” declares the Lord (Zechariah 8:16-17 NIV).

Gaza will writhe in agony…I will take the blood from their mouths, the forbidden food from between their teeth. Those who are left will belong to our God (Zechariah 9:5, 7 NIV).

Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you righteous and victorious (Zechariah 9:9 NIV).

If you are feeling angst or worry during this time of global upheaval, I want to encourage you to read the book of Zechariah and allow God to speak to you through it. Maybe you, like me, wil l gain comfort and peace as you come to understand more deeply that God has a designated purpose and plan for you in this place and time, He is in control even when this world feels out of control, and His hope for tomorrow is firm and secure.

Julie Jenkins
WWL co-CEO
julie@womenworldleaders.com

GOD HAS A DESIGNATED PURPOSE AND PLAN
FOR YOU IN THIS PLACE AND TIME.