Tag: Branch
The Crowning of the High Priest
Scripture reading for September 28: Zechariah 5-6
Our goal during these devotions on God’s Word is to see Jesus Christ in every book of the Bible. Zechariah, other than Isaiah, has more references to the coming of Jesus and His ministry than any other prophet. In today’s reading we have more of the eight visions that God gave Zechariah to encourage the workers who were rebuilding the temple and city of Jerusalem. Eight is the number of ‘new beginnings’.
Zechariah had already mentioned the ‘Branch’ Who was symbolized by Joshua, the High Priest. This ‘Branch’ would come and be fully obedient to God and take away the sins of the nation in a single day. (Zechariah 3:8-9) The High Priest symbolically did this on the Day of Atonement each year. He went behind the veil of the Holy of Holies and sprinkled the blood of a lamb on the mercy seat. His offering of blood was for the sins of the nation. (Leviticus 16:15-17)
In today’s reading, Zechariah saw another vision of powerful horses going throughout the earth. (Zechariah 6:1-6) One of the horses went toward the North and reported rest being brought to God’s Spirit. Zechariah then was told to take silver and gold from the returned exiles, make a crown, and set it on the head of Joshua, the High Priest. He was to say to him: “Here is the Man Whose Name is Branch, and He will branch out from His place and build the temple of the Lord. It is He Who will build the temple of the Lord, and He will be clothed with majesty and will sit on His throne. And He will be a Priest on His throne and there will be harmony between the two.” (Zechariah 6:12-13)
As we reflect on this vision in light of the life and current ministry of Jesus Christ, we see that the ‘Branch’ is again a picture of Jesus Christ Who was and is both Priest and King! He is our “High Priest” before God, there interceding for us. (Romans 8:34) He is the “King of Kings” Who is coming in power to claim His bride, the church, and punish His enemies. (Revelation 19:11-16)
We are encouraged by these ancient visions today because of the revelation of the Holy Spirit through the Word of God. Jesus, our Priest and King, is praying for us today. He has given us the Holy Spirit and we have overcoming power to share with the lost world the good news of His coming again. We are watching for His return as King of Kings and Lord of Lords! Our faith and faithfulness will crown Him when He comes! (Revelation 4:9-11)
Thankful for the Spirit!
Scripture reading for August 1st: Isaiah 11-15
Key Scriptures: Isaiah 11:1-3 “A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. The Spirit of the Lord will rest on Him–the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord–and He will delight in the fear of the Lord. . . .”
Isaiah spoke prophetically of a coming “Branch” from the stump of His father Jesse. This “Branch” would bear fruit because of the “Spirit of the Lord” resting on Him. This “Spirit of the Lord” would give Him wisdom and understanding and counsel and power as well as knowledge. But emphasis was put on the “fear of the Lord” that the Spirit of the Lord would anoint the “Branch” with. This anointed One would excel in the “fear of the Lord!”
Rejoicing in Hope: “And Again, Isaiah says, “The Root of Jesse with spring up, One who will arise to rule over the nations; the Gentiles will hope in Him.” May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:12-13)
The Crowning of Joshua!
Scripture reading for September 30th: Zechariah 5-6
Zechariah, other than Isaiah, has more references to the coming of Jesus and His ministry than any other prophet. In today’s reading we have more of the eight visions that God gave Zechariah to encourage the workers who were rebuilding the temple and city of Jerusalem. Eight is the number of ‘new beginnings’.
Zechariah has already mentioned the ‘Branch’ who was symbolized by Joshua, the High Priest. This ‘Branch’ would come and be fully obedient to God and take away the sins of the nation in a single day. (Zechariah 3:8-9) The High Priest symbolically did this on the Day of Atonement each year. He would go behind the veil of the Holy of Holies and sprinkle the blood of a lamb on the mercy seat. This offering of blood was for the sins of the nation. (Leviticus 16:15-17)
Zechariah was told to take silver and gold from the returned exiles and make a crown to be placed on the head of Joshua, the High Priest. He was to say to him: “Here is the man whose name is “Branch”, and He will branch out from His place and build the temple of the Lord. It is He who will build the temple of the Lord, and He will be clothed with majesty and will sit on His throne. And He will be a priest on His throne and there will be harmony between the two.” (Zechariah 6:12-13)
As we reflect on this vision, the ‘Branch’ is a picture of Jesus Christ who was and is both priest and king! He holds both offices without any conflict! He is our “High Priest” before God interceding for us. (Romans 8:34) He is the “King of Kings” who is coming in power to claim His bride, the Church, and punish His enemies. (Revelation 19:11-16)
We who believe are the new Temple of the Lord where Jesus is enthroned as Lord! He has given us the Holy Spirit and we have overcoming power to share with the lost world the good news of His coming again. We are watching for His return as King of Kings and Lord of Lords! When He comes, we will worship Him who alone is worthy! (Revelation 5:13-14)
Not by might!
Scripture reading for September 29th: Zechariah 3-4
When we face a difficult task for the Lord, we begin to take inventory of our resources. God’s people and their leaders faced a task that looked impossible: the rebuilding of the temple and of Jerusalem! God sent visions to Zechariah to expand their resources and bring encouragement!
The second of eight visions pictured Joshua, the high priest, standing before the Lord, and Satan there accusing him. The Lord rebuked Satan and spoke of Joshua as a burning stick snatched from the fire! (Zechariah 3:2) (Jude 22,23) He then ordered Joshua’s filthy clothes to be removed and clothed him in clean garments. Joshua was told that if he walked in the Lord’s ways, he would govern God’s house and have a place among those standing there by the throne of God.
Joshua the high priest was symbolic of things to come. God would send His servant, the Branch, and would remove the sin of Israel in a single day. Jesus Christ was the servant of the Lord who was sent by God. He fully obeyed all of God’s requirements and walked in His ways. He became sin and was made like the burning stick, under the fires of God’s judgment for us. God raised Him from the dead, snatching Him from the fire, and seated Him at His right hand!
Zechariah saw a golden lamp stand with a bowl at the top and seven lights on it. There were two olive trees standing on either side of the bowl. “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.” (Zechariah 4:6) It was not their might, power, or ability that would accomplish the task. God would bless their efforts and He would see it through by His Spirit!
As I reflect on this last vision, I see the church as the lamp stand and the light in the world. The Spirit is the oil that brings the energy for the light. God’s anointed leaders help with the dispensing of the anointing oil as they live by faith and do their assigned jobs! Their lives of faith reflect God’s Glory and the work goes forward! In the power of His Spirit, the mountain of impossibility will become a plain!
The crowning of the high priest!
Scripture reading for September 28th: Zechariah 5-6
Our goal as we read the Bible should be to see Jesus Christ in every book. Zechariah, other than Isaiah, has more references to the coming of Jesus and His ministry than any other prophet. Today we have more of the eight visions that God gave Zechariah to encourage the workers who were rebuilding the temple and city of Jerusalem. Eight is the number of ‘new beginnings’ and these visions encouraged those working on the temple.
Zechariah had already mentioned the ‘Branch’ who was symbolized by Joshua, the High Priest. This ‘Branch’ would be fully obedient to God and take away the sins of the nation in a single day. (Zechariah 3:8-9) The High Priest symbolically did this on the Day of Atonement each year. He went behind the veil of the Holy of Holies and sprinkled the blood of a lamb on the mercy seat. His offering of blood was for the sins of the nation. (Leviticus 16:15-17)
Zechariah saw another vision of powerful horses going throughout the earth. (Zechariah 6:1-6) One of the horses went toward the North and brought back a report of rest. Zechariah was told to take silver and gold from the returned exiles, make a crown, and set it on the head of Joshua, the High Priest. He was to say to him: “Here is the man whose name is ‘Branch’, and He will branch out from His place and build the temple of the Lord. It is He who will build the temple of the Lord, and He will be clothed with majesty and will sit on His throne. And He will be a priest on His throne and there will be harmony between the two.” (Zechariah 6:12-13)
As we reflect on this vision in light of the life and current ministry of Jesus Christ, we see that the ‘Branch’ is a picture of Jesus Christ who is both priest and king! He is our “High Priest” before God, interceding for us. (Romans 8:34) He is the “King of Kings” who is coming in power to claim His bride, the church, and punish His enemies. (Revelation 19:11-16) Jesus, our Priest and King, is praying for us today. We are watching for His return as King of Kings and Lord of Lords! The saints will crown Him when He comes! (Revelation 4:9-11)