Introduction
- The LORD is returning to His people
- The way of the LORD to be prepared
- Rebuild the Temple
- Repair Jerusalem
- Restore the Priesthood
- Revive the faith of God’s people
1. Zechariah’s World (v1)
597BC – Judah defeated by Babylon
586BC – Jerusalem destroyed
539BC – Babylon falls to Cyrus and Darius the Mede
538BC – Edict of return (Cyrus)
522BC – Darius the Great
520BC – Zechariah 1:1, Haggai 1:1, Ezra 4:24
516BC – Temple rebuilt by Zerubbabel
2. 'Return to me…' (v2-6)
Godly Repentance:
- An act of love that leads to real change in your life.
- God’s Word is heard and accepted, received and applied.
- Repentance is not only for unbelievers.
- Develop good habits of godly repentance.
3. '… and I will return to you.' (v7-17)
- Eight visions of the night
- Signs of God’s blessing on Israel
a. What Zechariah saw (v7-10)
The Man on the red horse…
- v8 – a man, standing among the myrtle trees.
- v11 – the Angel of the LORD.
b. What Zechariah heard (v11-17)
- The report of the angelic horses (v11).
- The prayer of Jesus for his church (v12).
- God’s gracious reply (v13).
- The message for God’s people in Jerusalem (vv14-17).
Conclusion
- Give thanks – we know the Rider on the red horse.
- Develop good habits of godly repentance.
- Keep longing for a better country – a heavenly one.
- Put your hope in God’s promises.
- Cling tightly to God’s Word in difficult times