Today’s thought “The vision of the branch and unleashing judgment upon the whole ear” (December 22)

Though in the vision of today’s reading in the Book of Zechariah, the wickedness of Judah is contained and sent far away to Babylon, where it is not only tolerated but is worshipped, Zechariah’s prophecy also gives us an inspiring look into the future when those who “endure” will “reign with the king in Zion”.

In chapter 6 of Zechariah’s Book we get a final vision echoing the first vision as four great spirits of heaven unleash judgment upon the whole earth.

The Devar Hashem HaElohim came unto Zechariah, who received another message from Jehovah God wherein was told that there will come a branch out from where he was and shall come to build the Temple of God. (Zechariah 6:12) God points out to a righteous descendant “Yehoshua“, to be the namesake of the coming Son of David, the Messiah from the tribe of king David (see Ezra 3:8 for the Aramaic translation of Yehoshua’s name, Yeshua = Jeshua, who shall become the most important high priest. The other high priest Joshua (or Jeshua form the ancient times) is only a symbol of things that still had to come, the Branch and Servant of God. That sent one from God was told going to be called “the Nazarene“. [See Jer 23:5; 30:9; 33:15; Ezra 3:8; Zech 3:8; Mt 2:23] Isaiah also spoke about that branch of God who would grow large and beautiful even in such a way that those who live in darkness shall come to see and enlarge the nation of Israel, so that its people will rejoice. It shall be the man of flesh and blood, sent by God, who shall break the yoke of peoples’ slavery and lift the heavy burden from their shoulders. The misrah (dominion) or government shall be upon his shoulder, and he shall receive many high tittles, like “Wonderful”, “Counsellor”, “Mighty god”, “Possessor of life”, “Prince of peace”. And all shall have to come to know that he shall receive authority from God and his government and its peace will never end. (Isa 4:2; 9:2-7; 11:1-12; 49:8; 53:2,11)

Today we should be able to recognize that sprout of Jesse and the “Heikhal Hashem”, the “Temple of the Lord”. We are told that this sprout shall receive royal honour and will rule as king from his throne. From the Books of the Bible we further learn that he will also serve as priest from his throne, and that there will be perfect harmony between his two roles.

The crown will be a memorial in the Temple of the Lord to honour those who gave it — Heldai, Tobijah, Jedaiah, and Josiah son of Zephaniah. (Zechariah 6:14)

Preceding

Memorizing wonderfully 27 Rejoicing daughter of Zion for the established Throne of David

The Right One to follow and to worship