Zechariah

I am now looking forward to the Bible Study series on Zechariah.  It is so amazing to see what the Spirit reveals to me as I do preparations for the series.  This also ties in well with the study of Luke we just finished this year, since it is the most Messianic of the prophetic books, next to Isaiah. While it is also apocalyptic, I can focus more on the fulfilled prophecy.

It's also the longest of the Minor Prophets (i.e. the most "major"); which works well, since the study will take us through to May.

My outline will be based on the theme of "Motivation and Encouragement".  Unlike most of the other prophets, Zechariah uses positive motivation, focusing on the blessings that will be received when we are obedient as God's People; rather than on the negative things that happen for the disobedient.   And, one of the key verses from the book is one of my favorite:  "So He said to me, “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)

In the introduction, I will ask the class to consider how they would go about motivating a group of people to do what they've been neglecting.  From the outline, I would say that one summary overview of the book would be that the most effective motivation and encouragement comes from looking at what God has done and Who He is.

This series applies to me personally in that there are times when I've been in need of motivation and encouragement, and these truths will be a good reminder.  We can be motivated by reminders of lessons from the past, living for the Lord, being filled with grace when we mourn our sins, and also remembering that the LORD provides comfort & blessing, is with us, has taken away from our sins, is just, is priest and king, is faithful & true, delivers, cares & answers, is the true shepherd, is God even through trials, reigns, and that the Spirit enables.  This should encourage whenever we face repeated trials, have just gone through discipline and reproof, are not sensing God's presence, feel shame due to sin, are discouraged by inadequacies, see oppression, are disillusioned by earthly leaders, are just "going through the motions", have doubts, fear enemies, feel like He is not listening, are going through trials, or are in need of hope.

Also, I may have opportunity to utilize the new room configuration, in that we may be able to do some sharing around the tables on each area of motivation in each person's life; and then to share with the class as a whole; since, the chapters are not very long and we may occasionally have extra time.

I trust God to bless this study and to give me wisdom and guidance as I facilitate.

5-Jan:  As I've been meditating on this book, it occurred to me that one of the reasons that motivation and encouragement comes from looking to God; because it helps to take our eyes off of ourselves and our situation; and allows us to get the proper perspective.

16-Jan:  Some examples of specific prophesies from Zechariah fulfilled in the Gospels are:

•  Zech 9:9 - Triumphal Entry ("Matt 21:5" and "John 12:15")
• Zech 11:12-13 - Betrayal with 30 pieces of silver (Matt 26:14-15 & 27:5-7)
• Zech 12:10 - Pierced (John 19:34-37)
• Zech 13:7 - Shepherd Struck ("Matt 26:31")