Daily Devotions
Zechariah
"I will strengthen the house of Judah"
Text: Zechariah 10:6
THE STRENGTH OF THE LORD
One would need to find both courage and strength to face a far superior army. The Lord’s Presence emboldened the Jewish fighters. Without the Lord’s help, they would be destroyed.
“I will strengthen the house of Judah,
And I will save the house of Joseph.
I will bring them back,
Because I have mercy on them.
They shall be as though I had not cast them aside;
For I am the LORD their God,
And I will hear them.”
Zechariah 10:6
1. Significant series of “I will” statements
a) This was the Lord’s way of communicating His promises to Judah.
b) This word was spoken to bring much encouragement and inspiration.
2. Promises:
a) Strength for the house of Judah. There were many battles that had to be fought and won!
b) Salvation
Deliverance was promised to the house of Joseph.
The story of Joseph was one of success. The Person who gave success was the LORD.
c) Return to Jerusalem
God would see to their successful restoration and settlement.
d) God would hear their prayers.
The people must do their part in praying. God would do His part in answering.
3. A key factor: The vital mercy of the Lord
a) Underneath all the promises of blessing was the all-important mercy of God.
b) Mercy was one of the attributes of God that was made known to Israel (Exodus 34:6-7).
4. Another key factor: The LORD was their God
a) There was a Covenant-relationship that was established between God and His people.
b) He would be their God and Israel would be His people (Exodus 6:1-8).
PROPHECY AND HISTORY
On the one hand, there was prophecy of the Lord’s help. On the other hand, history would bear out the fact that God’s word was effectively and wonderfully fulfilled!