Zechariah

1. Write one paragraph explaining the historical background and purpose of the prophet.

The book of Zechariah was written by the prophet Zechariah who was born during the Exile. It is written during the time that the Exiles have already returned back to Jerusalem and are faced with all of the struggles of rebuilding their temple and city. The people around them are giving them great opposition and are causing them to struggle and the leaders of the land aren't doing their job in leading the people (10:1-3) but the Lord tells Zechariah that He sees and His plan of rebuilding the temple will prevail- there is hope (1:14-17).

2. What does this book show you about the character and nature of God?

This book shows us that God is once again redemptive and He doesn't leave His people again. He sends words of encouragement like “MY love for Mount Zion is passionate and strong; I am consumed with passion of Jerusalem.” (8:2; 1:14) And His anger is firm but He's redemptive, “I was determined to punsih you when your ancestors angered me, and I did not change my mind... But now I am determined to bless Jerusalem and the people of Judah. So don't be afraid. But this is what you must do: Tell the truth to each other. Render verdicts in your courts that are just and lead to peace. Don't scheme against each other. Stop your love of telling lies that you swear are truth. I hate all these things...” (8:14-17)

He is power of the enemy, “I, the Lord, reject your accusations, satan. Yes, the Lord, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebukes you. This man is like a burning stick that has been snatched from the fire.” (3:1-2)

He is protection for His people and His glory inhabits the place where they are (2:3-5)

3. What does this book show about God's redemptive plan for mankind?
   We see that God doesn't leave the people alone, He comes and promises that the promise of the restoration of His city will happen (1:16; 2:3-5; 3:9; 8:4-5,7-8). And we see the Messiah referenced to several times: “Soon I am going to bring my servant, the Branch.” (3:8), “Look! Your king is coming to you. He is righteous and victorious, yet he is humble, riding on a donkey- riding on a donkey's colt.” (9:9), “Then I will pour out a spirit of grace and prayer on the family of David and on the people of Jerusalem. They will look on me whom they have piereced and mourn for Him as for an only son.” (12:10), “On that day a fountain will be opened for the dynasty of David and for the people of Jerusalem, a fountain to cleanse them from all their sins and impurity.” (13:1)

4. Personal Application
   I love seeing the love that the Lord has for his people in this book. It's exploding with life and love, so much hope for restoration and the adoration and redemption that He has for His people. With all that they've walked through and He's lead them through, they still struggle but the Lord has an extreme amount of hope for them.
   For me, it's nice to know that God still pours His love out in abundance over me even with all that I've struggled with and failed in. He still pursues my heart and just like He passionately loves Judah and hopes for their redemption He pursues, loves and hopes for me just as much if not more! Thank you Jesus for unrelenting love and pursuit that is so undeserved but accepted and rejoiced in! You are SO GOOD! God would you take me deeper into the revelation of your love. Would you take me so deep that I could never question your goodness and your faithfulness. Would you bring me to a place of simply walking in your love and your acceptance of who I am just the way I am. That it's not something I earn or strive for, but simply rest in.