June 24 - Zechariah 13

June 24 - Zechariah 13:1-9

In yesterday’s reading weeping was heard throughout Judah and Jerusalem. Their grief was overwhelming as they looked for forgiveness and cleansing. Now, in Zechariah 13:1, the Lord offers a source of cleansing.

On that day … this is the Day of the Lord when all things shall be made clear and the visible return of the Messiah has occurred. On that day, a fountain will be opened and will flow continuously to cleanse all of Israel. The sin of idolatry continues to plague these people as idt does us, but On That Day, the idols will finally be banished and remembered no more.

Zechariah 13:2-6 tells us that even the prophets were subject to this sin. They were giving false prophecies so that they could justify their awful behavior. Prophecy had fallen so far that no one could trust the words from their lips and they were to be rejected by everyone.

In 1 Kings 18:25-28, we find that the prophets of Baal slashed themselves with swords and spears to allow their blood to flow as an offering to the idol. These wounds are now hidden as the prophets try to hide in jobs such as farming.

Zechariah 13:7 is Messianic prophecy that is fulfilled in Matthew 26:31, 56. Jesus acknowledges this prophecy when He tells them that they will fall away and then Matthew goes on to say that it was fulfilled when the disciples all fled from Him upon His arrest.

God always promises that there will be a remnant for Israel. Zechariah 13:8 tells us that two-thirds will be struck down, yet there will be a third that remains. These people will be tested and purified and they will acknowledge the Lord as their God.