Sermon Central
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What Jesus Is Doing When He Seems Distant Series
Contributed by Jim Butcher on Oct 18, 2019 (message contributor)
Summary: Where is God when He seems distant?
- The Jews here had returned from Babylon to Jerusalem. They were surrounded by strong enemies and their attempts to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem had just gotten restarted.
- Here we have eight night visions designed to encourage God’s people. As I noted last week, the theme of Zechariah can be found in the three names in v. 7: “the Lord remembers and blesses at the appointed time.”
A DISTURBING QUESTION: Why are the wicked at ease and God’s people struggling?
- A few points on the imagery in this vision.
a. The “angel of the Lord” (v. 12) generally is a reference in the OT to the pre-incarnate Christ.
b. The myrtle trees in a ravine could be contrasted with mighty cedars high on a hill. It speaks to the lowly state of God’s chosen people.
c. The horses speak to God looking throughout the earth concerning what’s going on.
- The overall picture painted here is of Christ showing up as His people are in distress and noting that the world is at ease.
- v. 11 is a reference to the fact that the pagan nations were living in the blessing of their military conquests.
- This same word for “quiet” is used by Ezekiel (16:49) to refer to Sodom in a similar attitude.
- This question is a recurring theme in Scripture.
- There is the 400 years of silence waiting on the Messiah.
- There is the cry of “How long, O Lord?” in Revelation 6:9-11.
- So it should not surprise us when we find ourselves in a similar situation today.
WHAT IS CHRIST DOING IN THE SILENCE?
1. Although they were unaware, Christ was present among His people.
- Here we have a picture of Christ coming among His oppressed people.
- I would argue that He was always among them. He had not abandoned them. But they were unaware of His presence.
- The scene in 2 Kings 6:8-23 comes to mind when Elisha asks God to open up His servant’s eyes so that he might see the angels of God that were surrounding them.
2. Although they were unaware, Christ was interceding for His people.
- This prayer is from Christ directed to His Father.
- We are taught in Romans 8:33-34 that Christ intercedes for us. We usually don’t think much about that or how significant it is, but this verse gives us a beautiful, moving prayer.
- What if we could hear Christ praying on our behalf? How much bolder and more encouraged would we be?
- And, equally important, v. 13 tells us that the Father responded positively to this prayer.
3. Focus more on God’s emotions than on yours.
- We get caught up in our discouragement and uncertainty. We focus on our emotions.
- Perhaps a better plan is to focus on God’s emotions. Look at the two mentioned here:
a. Jealousy.
- v. 14.
- Christ proclaims that He is jealous for Jerusalem and Zion.
- This jealousy is not like an insecure boyfriend. This jealousy means that He is deeply concerned about His people.
- The Hebrew is strong here. The word “jealous” starts the sentence. It says, “Jealous I am with jealousy.” And then it adds “exceedingly.”
b. Anger.
- v. 15.
- Christ is angry over what the nations have done to His people. Yes, they had a God-ordained role in punishing a disobedient Israel, but they have gone beyond God’s call.
- Their actions have added to God’s anger.
4. Judgment delayed is not justice denied.
- To go back to the opening comments, we struggle when we are trying to do what’s right and drowning while those who are doing evil seem to have it easy.
- v. 15 reminds us, though, that judgment delayed is not justice denied.
- After the recent heartbreaking loss that the Scott team had in the state baseball tournament, it would have understandable if the players woke up the next morning wondering if it was really over. Could it have really ended like that? Isn’t there another chance? But there wasn’t. It was over.
- Here, though, Zechariah is reminded that the game is not over. There are still more chapters to be written. Yes, right now it looks like the pagan nations are at ease and Israel is weighed down, but God is not done yet.
5. The anticipated blessing is overwhelming.
- Each phrase here speaks of great hope and vision.
- He promises the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. The reference to the measuring line is a reference to preparing the site for construction.
- The reference in v. 17 to overflowing prosperity is not to be overlooked. The spiritual renewal will flow out into other areas as well.
