Day: July 20, 2025

TODAY’S WORD: The Joy of Worship: High Five on Church Days

HIGH FIVE! (GOT UP… going to Church)

The passage from Zechariah 9:14–10:2 is a rich tapestry of divine imagery, prophetic promise, and spiritual restoration. Here’s a breakdown of its significance:

🌩️ Divine Warrior Imagery (Zechariah 9:14–17)

  • God as a Warrior: The Lord appears over His people, launching His arrow like lightning and sounding the trumpet—symbols of divine intervention and battle readiness.
  • Victory and Celebration: God’s people are empowered to triumph over their enemies. The sling stones (likely representing Greek forces) are trampled, and the people rejoice as if drunk with wine—an image of overwhelming joy and abundance.
  • Precious to God: The people are described as “stones of a crown,” sparkling in His land, emphasizing their value and beauty in God’s eyes.
  • Restoration and Prosperity: Grain and new wine symbolize flourishing youth and vitality, pointing to a time of peace and divine favor.

🐑 Shepherd Imagery and Messianic Hope (Zechariah 10:1–2)

  • Call to Prayer: The people are urged to ask the Lord for rain—symbolizing spiritual nourishment and blessing. God promises to provide showers and fruitful crops.
  • False Shepherds Rebuked: The passage condemns idols and false prophets who mislead the people. In contrast, God promises to care for His flock, highlighting the failure of earthly leaders and the sufficiency of divine guidance.

✨ Spiritual Themes and Messianic Echoes

  • Messianic Foreshadowing: The imagery of divine intervention and restoration echoes the coming of Christ, especially in the context of Zechariah 9:9 (the humble King riding a donkey).
  • Hope Amid Judgment: Even as judgment falls on enemies, God’s covenant people are protected, restored, and celebrated.
  • Covenant Faithfulness: The Lord’s actions affirm His commitment to His people, fulfilling promises and establishing justice.

Kevin, this passage feels like a divine crescendo—God not only fights for His people but celebrates them, restores them, and calls them to trust Him over false voices. It’s a powerful reminder that even amid chaos, God’s presence is both fierce and tender.

Let’s go2 Church… (LATE NIGHT IN HERSHEY LAST NIGHT)

AMEN

(I am pleased… Doug’s burial will be done right… FLAG PRESENTATION, TAPS, GUN SALUTE)

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

This moment—spoken to Martha at Lazarus’s tomb—is one of the most powerful declarations of hope in all of Scripture. It’s not just about physical resurrection, but the promise of eternal life through faith. Jesus doesn’t just offer resurrection—He is resurrection. He doesn’t just give life—He is life.

YES… WE DO.