Zechariah 14: The Day of the Lord
AT THE BEGINNING of history humanity rebelled against God and rejected his rule. But at the end of history the Lord will return to the earth and reestablish his place as King of kings and Lord of lords. Zechariah 14:1 describes that "day of the LORD" as the climax of both evil and of God's eternal salvation. At that time the Lord will "reign for ever and ever."
Warming Up to God
How does it encourage you to know that God is working to reestablish his rule over all the earth?
Read Zechariah 14. »
Discovering the Word
- Verses 1-15 describe the final battle against Jerusalem (see also 12:1-9). Why do you think the Lord allows the city to be plundered before he intervenes (vv. 1-2)?
- When the Lord returns to the Mount of Olives (vv. 4; see also Ac 1:11-12), what dramatic events will occur (vv. 3-11)?
- How will the Divine Warrior destroy the nations that came against Jerusalem (vv. 12-15)?
- In what ways will Jerusalem become the geographic and religious center of the earth (vv. 9-21)?
- Although the Lord will "be king over the whole earth" (v. 9), how does Zechariah's description of life on earth seem less than perfect and complete?
Applying the Word
- Worship and celebration will be the central events of life on earth after the Lord's return (v. 16). To what extent do these activities characterize your life on earth now?
- In what ways can you make worship and celebration more central to your daily activities?
Responding in Prayer
Worship the Lord now in praise, thanksgiving and prayer. Celebrate the fact that the "king over the whole earth" has already become your King and Savior.
For Further Study
Revelation LifeGuide Bible Study by R. Paul Stevens