Zechariah
13 reminds me of the training camp experience. This was the time
before the season started, it was hot and the drills were hard.
Everyone was trying to make the team. During this time, some quit,
some were cut and some seemed to catch the coach’s fury day after
day. In the end, individuals became a team that would fight
together. The chapter begins with the satisfaction of the highest
craving. In the grueling exhaustion, there was a promise of a water
break. Even warm, out of a rubber hose, it was rejuvenating.
Today’s chapter begins with a promise to the Jews, “On
that day a
fountain will be opened to the house of David and the inhabitants of
Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and impurity“.
Today people search for the fountain of youth, to make them look
good, but this fountain is available to renew the spirit. Messiah
paid the price, but many will not believe until that day. There will
certainly be cuts, “I will
banish the names of the idols from the land… I will remove both the
prophets and the spirit of impurity from the land“.
There will be no disputing parents thinking their boy was treated
unfairly, “their father and
mother… will say to them… ‘you have told lies in the Lord’s
name’“. Those that are
deceived will not see the field at all.
Everyone
that has ever made a squad has received the uniform, and wore it with
pride. No one will be accepted as part of the team just because they
wear the right apparel. We read, every false prophet “will
be ashamed of their prophetic vision… They will not put on a
prophet’s garment“. Instead
they will try to blend in. There is not a chance anyone could
infiltrate the locker room undetected. Are you trying to blend in?
Finally,
no team can compete for the championship until they have faced
adversity. That comes with loss, or pain, or by overcoming doubt.
The trouble-free, undefeated season does not prepare us for a
desperate opponent. “Strike
the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered, and I will turn my
hand against the little ones“.
I believe this is a reference to the cross. Many of Jesus’
followers expected Him to become an earthly king and rule in their
day. They were making plans for their place on the victory stand.
Even the apostle Peter denied Him out of fear. How many of the Jews
will remain faithful? The Lord declared, “two-thirds
will be struck down and perish; yet one-third will be left in it“.
The chapter is focused on the final battle, before Messiah returns
for His re-gathered people in Jerusalem. There will be a time of
tribulation for those that did not study their playbook. “This
third I will put into the fire; I will refine them like silver and
test them like gold“. Impure
motives will be burned off, leaving battle tested warriors. The cool
part is, the final battle is the Lord’s, “They
will call on My name and I will answer them… They are My people“.
The remnant will shout together, “The
LORD is our God“. Understand
the enemy will make a huge pre-game display, but the game is over
before it begins. Like a flash of lightning, the Savior will clear
the field. Those who have heard His call will be safe inside, those
that did not believe will be shocked at the suddenness. Game Over.
There will be an alumni reunion of all who have worn the uniform of
faith. Both Jew and Gentile will be one, “For
God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation
through our Lord Jesus Christ… The One who calls you is faithful,
and He will do it” (1
Thessalonians 5:9, 24). Friend, will you be there?