Reader:
Please notice the dramatic shift that occurs in Zechariah’s prophecy.
The prior chapter begins with a command: “Ask the LORD for rain.”
Chapter 11 also begins with a command: “Open your doors… that fire may devour…”
Why the shift? Because God’s people are not hearing nor heeding His Word.
The nation of Israel had achieved the short-term goal of rebuilding the temple but the long-term goal of rebuilding their relationship with God remained in rubble.
Fire, or judgment, is coming because people have rejected God as their only Shepherd.
Part of this prophecy was fulfilled when Judas betrayed Jesus. Part of this prophecy was fulfilled when the Romans destroyed Jerusalem and the temple in AD 70. Part of this prophecy will be fulfilled when the Antichrist arrives.
Have you fully returned to the LORD? Is Jesus truly your only Shepherd? His heart remains wide open to you. Hear and heed His voice.
(Isa 64; Jer 18, 22, 25; Eze 34, 37; Matt 26:14-16, 27:3-9; Acts 1:16-20; Rom 9:19-21; 2 Tim2:20-26; John 5:43, 10; Rev 13)