STUDIES IN THE "LIVING THE LIFE THAT ACKNOWLEDGES KING JESUS” Zechariah 5:1-6:15 “REMOVING THE SIN AND RECEIVING THE SAVIOR”

God makes it very clear that our behaviors will lead us into either blessings or curses. We need not be surprised to see in this last section of Zechariah’s visions, after many words of encouragement, he also sees the severe consequences of sin and disobedience. This passage also reveals a preview of the day when God’s people will acknowledge a ruler who is simultaneously a priest and a king. It was not common in for one person to hold both offices. (2nd Chronicles 26:16-23)

I. THE LORD WILL JUDGE AND REMOVE FROM HIS PRESENCE EVERYONE WHO DISHONORS HIM AND MISTREATS OTHERS. ARE YOU SAFE FROM HIS JUDGMENT? (Zechariah 5: 1-11)

A. The large scroll (30 ft. long and 15 ft. wide) showed the judgments (curses) that would overtake everyone who chose to continue in wickedness. No house is safe for those who practice sin. (Zechariah 5:1-4) (Deuteronomy 28: 1-14) (Deuteronomy 28:15-68)

B. Zechariah saw a vision of God removing wickedness (the people who practice sin) from Israel and sending it back to Babylon, the birthplace of idolatry. (Genesis 11; Tower of Babel). Many of the Jews (primarily agrarian in Israel) learned sinful business practices in Babylon, and were taking advantage of their brothers. (Zechariah 5: 5-5-6) (Nehemiah 5:1-13)

"Hear this, you who trample on the needy and do away with the poor of the lands, asking; When will the New Moon be over so we may sell grain, and the Sabbath, so we may market wheat? We can reduce the measure (ephah/bushel) while increasing the price (shekel) and cheat with dishonest scales. We can buy the poor with silver and the needy for a pair of sandals and even sell the chaff! (refuse of the wheat). The Lord has sworn by the Pride of Jacob: I will never forget all of their deeds. (Amos 8:4-7)

1. Babylon was a historical city/area that has had many different names over the years. (Shinar, Chaldea, Iraq), It is always viewed as being in opposition to God, and will be destroyed and never rebuilt. (Revelation 18)

a. Politically Babylon is a symbol of pride and rebellion. b. Religiously, Babylon is recognized as the mother of idolatry c. Economically, Babylon symbolizes coveting wealth and domination

C. Just as the angel violently kept the representative of evil from escaping confinement and spreading corruption in Israel, the Lord will one day remove wickedness from Israel and the world as He sets up His Kingdom on earth. (Zechariah 5:7-11) (Revelation 19:15) (Revelation 20:1-3) II. THE JUDGMENTS OF THE LORD COVER THE ENTIRE WORLD. NO COUNTRY WILL ESCAPE HIS WRATH, ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO OPPOSE HIS COVENANT PEOPLE. (:1-8)

A. This section of the vision makes it clear that Israel’s enemies to the north (Babylon, Assyria, Russia, etc.) and south (Egypt) would be duly punished for their wickedness. No one can be victorious against God’s warriors. (Four winds/chariots represent angels)

B. Symbols are usually consistently used in Scripture, and recognizable from generation to generation.

1. Bronze (brass) usually indicates judgment; Red horses designate war and bloodshed; Black horses represent famine and death, white horses bring victory and triumph, and speckled (grizzled) bring pestilence, plagues, and difficult times. (Revelation 6)

III. WHEN ISRAEL’S HIGH PRIEST IS CROWNED AS THEIR KING, HE WILL BRING PEACE AND HEALING TO THEM AND THE ENTIRE WORLD. (Zechariah 6:9-15)

A. Gold and silver that was needed to rebuild the Temple was used to make an elaborate crown for . This was done to give a preview of the Coming Prophet, Priest, and King, the Lord Jesus Christ, the Branch that would:

1. Be a descendant of King and rule in righteousness 2. Come from obscurity and branch out to rule the world 3. Build the Temple of the Lord 4. Rule as a Priest on His Throne 5. Bring people from all over the world to help build the Temple and worship the Lord and confirm His prophets. (Zechariah 6:12-15)

CONSISTENT OBEDIENCE BRINGS BLESSINGS. (Zechariah 6:15) LET THE LORD JESUS CHRIST REMOVE YOUR SINS AND ITS CURSES AND COVER YOU WITH HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS.

Dr. Ronald J. Morrison October 2, 2016

BIBLE STUDY QUESTIONS

1. How do you respond when the Lord reveals your sins and convicts you? Are you completely confident that He wants to remove whatever He reveals?

2. Some people believe that far too many churches are accomodating "culturally accepted sins" rather than dealing biblically with them. How would you use Scripture to help someone change a sinful behavior or lifestyle that they think is okay/