THE LORD SPOKE (December 30)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Zechariah 11-14

“When the roll is called up yonder I’ll be there.” Zechariah tells us that when the Lord comes to Jerusalem “all the holy ones [will be] with him” (Zech. 14:5). That great “Day of the Lord” is described in impressive detail here at the end of Zechariah’s prophecy. He repeats the phrase “on that day” a total of 16 times in the last three chapters. Consider some of the events that he tells us will happen:

Zech. 12:3 - all the nations of the earth will be gathered against Jerusalem
Zech. 12:4 - horse and rider (= military transport?) will be immobilized
Zech. 12:6 - governments and human leadership will crash and burn
Zech. 12:8 - God Himself will protect Jerusalem
Zech. 12:9 - God will destroy all those who attack Jerusalem
Zech. 12:11 - all will weep upon realizing how they’ve rejected the Messiah up to that point
Zech. 13:1 - a spiritual cleansing will take place
Zech. 13:2 - idols and the very spirit of impurity will be banished
Zech. 13:4 - false prophets will be shut up and shamed of themselves
Zech. 14:4 - the Messiah will come to Jerusalem, specifically to the Mount of Olives
Zech. 14:6 - there will be no light on that day - a day without daytime or nighttime
Zech. 14:8 - living water will flow out of Jerusalem
Zech. 14:9 - the last king standing will be the Lord Jehovah
Zech. 14:13 - panic and plague will strike all those who oppose Him
Zech. 14:20 - everything and everyone will be dedicated (made holy!) to the Lord
Zech. 14:21 - there will be no more unbelief in any quarter

That represents pure joy to the saint who is ready to meet the Lord. Though times may grow difficult and though we may have to wait yet awhile more, the future is bright. God’s promises are sure.


Proverbs 30

What is his name and the name of his son?
Tell me if you know! (Prov. 30:4c)

That which precedes this question clearly describes attributes of God. Only God “gathers the wind”, “wraps up the waters”, and “establishes the ends of the earth”. Only deity goes up to heaven and comes down. But does God have a son? Is Jesus in the Old Testament?

That’s certainly the universal contention of the New Testament. Check out Matthew’s formulaic phrase: “This happened in order that it might be fulfilled, that which the prophet spoke....” Examine the many Old Testament quotes in the New Testament which relate to the Messiah. Analyze the syllogistic preaching in the book of Acts:

Major Premise: The Messiah would be or do such-and-such.
Minor Premise: Jesus was or did such-and-such.
Conclusion: Jesus is the Messiah.

Yes, there’s no question in the New Testament that God has a son and that His name is Jesus. But, does the God of the Old Testament have a son? Is Jesus in the Old Testament?

At least three times the Old Testament specifically says that God has a son:

• Psalm 2:7,10-12 - I will proclaim the decree of the Lord: “You are my Son...therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned you rulers of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son....
• Isaiah 9:6 - To us a son is given...and he will be called...Mighty God.
• Proverbs 30:4 - What is his name and the name of his son? Tell me if you know!

Not one of those can be successfully refuted. Each one clearly speaks of God’s Son. Only one would be sufficient to establish the truth. After that, the many New Testament references all fall into place. We can say with expectant Simeon, “My eyes have seen your salvation which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” (Lk. 2:30-32).