Peter Misselbrook's Blog

Nov 19 2019 - Zechariah 1 – Return to the Lord

This morning we begin our readings from Zechariah, the prophet who, along with Haggai, encouraged the Jews in Jerusalem to get on with the work of rebuilding the temple and to see it through to completion. The imagery found in the Book of Zechariah can appear rather odd to us and, at first glance, difficult to understand. But careful and prayerful reading sheds light on God's message to the returning exiles and on his message for us. With such books it is important to remember that they were part of the Bible that Jesus read and treasured and that, along with the better-known books, these also are "God-breathed and … useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." So we pray that the Lord would do us good through this ancient book of prophecy.

The chapter we read today falls into three sections. Verses 1-6 are a call for the returning exiles to return also to God and to worship him alone. The people are reminded that the exile was caused by their faithlessness and by their refusal to listen to the warnings of the prophets. If they repeat their faithlessness, they will again invite God's judgment. They need to learn from their history – and so also do we.

In verses 7-17, Zechariah describes a vision given him of a man on a red horse among myrtle trees, with further red, brown and white horses standing behind him – presumably also mounted with riders. The man on the red horse is also referred to as "the angel of the Lord" and is evidently the leader of this posse. The angel explains that these are riders whom the Lord has sent throughout the earth and who have discovered that the nations that conquered God's people are living at peace. But now the time has come for the Lord to take pity on his people after their 70 year exile. The Lord then delivers the following message to Zechariah through the angel:

Proclaim this word: this is what the Lord Almighty says: “I am very jealous for Jerusalem and Zion, and I am very angry with the nations that feel secure… Therefore this is what the Lord says: “I will return to Jerusalem with mercy, and there my house will be rebuilt… Proclaim further: this is what the Lord Almighty says: “My towns will again overflow with prosperity, and the Lord will again comfort Zion and choose Jerusalem.”’ (vv. 14-17)

Just as we read in Isaiah 40, the Lord declares that he will comfort and bless his people.

Verses 18-21 describe four horns and four craftsmen. The four horns describe the nations that have attacked and scattered God's people and destroyed Jerusalem. The picture of a horn is a picture of destructive power and aggression. These powers are now to be overthrown by four craftsmen. The picture here is one of weakness rather than aggression, but it also symbolises the power to build or rebuild rather than to destroy. God is pleased to work through weakness to establish his kingdom and bring the powers of this world to nothing.

We see this supremely in the Lord Jesus. Our salvation was not accomplished by brute power rivalling and defeating that of the Roman Empire. Jesus, the carpenter from Nazareth, was crucified in weakness. But he was raised by the power of God to the highest place in all the universe to reign as King of kings and Lord of lords; "the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength" (1 Corinthians 1:25).

Father God, we thank you that our Lord Jesus, the Lamb who was slain, is also the Lion of the tribe of Judah. Help us to learn from this Book of Zechariah, as well as from the life of our Lord Jesus that your kingdom is built "Not by might nor by power, but by [your] Spirit." Teach us what this means for us in our lives of daily discipleship as we pray and labour that your kingdom may come and your will be done on earth as in heaven.

Nov 19 2020 - John 12:20-50 – We would see Jesus

In John 12 we read that some Greeks, that is, some Greek speaking Gentiles (non Jews), came to Philip asking to see Jesus. Philip went and told Andrew. Andrew and Philip then together went to tell Jesus. But Jesus’ response seems rather odd – indeed, we never do learn whether the Greeks managed to see Jesus. Instead, Jesus begins to speak about his approaching death.

Jesus declares that the time has now come for him to lay down his life. His death will be like a seed being planted in the soil. The seed must die, but in doing so it will bear fruit.

On the face of it, Jesus’ words seem to be a very strange response to the request of Greeks to meet with him. But not so strange perhaps when Jesus goes on to describe his death in these terms, “When I am lifted up I will draw all manner of people to myself” (John 12:32). Jesus’ death and resurrection will be the means by which God’s promise to Abraham will at last find its fulfilment, “Through you, all peoples on earth will be blessed.”

A few Greeks were asking to see Jesus. Jesus says that a time of crisis has now arrived through which their desire will be answered in a way beyond their imagination. Jesus has come as the light of the world and many are being drawn into the light – even some from among the Gentiles. But the powers of darkness are gathering as the Jewish authorities put together their plans to destroy Jesus. How will it all end? Jesus came into the world for this very crisis – he came for “this hour”. Nor is there any doubt about how it will end, “Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out” (12:31).

Jesus faces the cross with horror (see v 27) yet also with anticipation of victory. The cross may seem to be the place where Jesus is judged and executed, but in reality it is the place where the prince of this world is judged; the darkness that gathers and threatens to put out the light will be utterly defeated. The cross which was designed to humiliate Christ and expose the emptiness of his claims becomes the place of Christ’s enthronement and vindication; this is where the Son of Man will be glorified. And as a result of his victory he will draw all peoples to himself. The arms that were stretched out on the cross “would all mankind embrace.”

Already we see the seed beginning to bear fruit – a few Greeks are seeking Jesus and even a few of the Jewish leaders have come to believe in him. Beyond the cross and resurrection, thousands upon thousands will believe in him, both Jews and Gentiles. He will save for himself a people from every nation, language and ethnic group until there stands before him in glory a great crowd beyond all numbering.

As we follow the news there is much that causes pain and discouragement. It may seem that the darkness has not diminished as we read of violence, hatred, injustice and plain evil and as many lives are enslaved to damaging addictions. Where will it all end? Yet we also see that there are many who are still seeking Jesus. The powers of darkness will not have the last word.

Father God, as Jesus your Son taught us, so we pray that your kingdom may come and your will be done on earth as in heaven. This is our longing and our prayer. Help us by your Spirit to work for the coming of your kingdom and to lead many to the Lord Jesus.

Peter Misselbrook