Zechariah 12—13: Preparing for the Lord
THE LORD'S PEOPLE must be prepared for his return. Zechariah 12—13 describes how God delivers Jerusalem at the end of the age and then brings about national repentance. The passage climaxes with a vision of the pierced Messiah, who causes both mourning and spiritual transformation.
Warming Up to God
In what ways is your life different because of your belief in the Lord's return? Ask him to use this passage to prepare your heart for his coming.
Read Zechariah 12—13. »
Discovering the Word
- How would you describe the siege against Jerusalem at the end of the age (12:1-9)?
- In what ways do God's people discover that "the Lord Almighty is their God" (12:5) during this battle?
- When Israel looks on (or "to") the one they have pierced, what effect does it have on the nation (12:10-14; see also Jn 19:37)?
- For generations Israel was plagued by both sin and false prophets. How will the Lord deal with both of these problems (13:1-6)?
- In 13:7 the scene shifts to a different point in time. How does Zechariah describe both the death of the Messiah and the events that follow (13:7-9; see also Mt 26:31)?
Applying the Word
- How has looking to the One who was pierced brought both mourning and cleansing in your life?
- The Lord speaks of a time when he will refine his people "like silver and test them like gold" (13:9). How do trials and testing purify us and make us fit for the Lord's return?
Responding in Prayer
Thank the Lord for the great price he paid to cleanse us from sin and impurity. Ask him to purify your life of anything that displeases him so that your life will have the quality of pure silver and gold.
For Further Study
The Message of Revelation by Michael Wilcock