Take Two: Zechariah 14, Proverbs 14

This final chapter pictures the culmination of the call to holiness (1:3), we saw in the opening verses. It is the picture of the final battle (Armageddon), the restoration of Jerusalem, and the millennial reign of Christ.

The Battle takes place in vv.2-3. Notice that God is the One who gathers the nations together against His people. IOW: He is not surprised by the uprising. God brings about the circumstances and then brings great victory. He reenters by touching down at the Mount of Olives (v.4) and brings with Him all of His holy one (referring to the angels and all of those in Christ who were “caught up/raptured” prior to the 7 year tribulation.)

The sun and moon and stars will cease to exist (vv.6-7) and God Himself will be the light of the people. God will be worshipped as King over all the earth(v.9) . Not just the king of the Jews but of all the earth. (This is a picture of absolute victory).

Jerusalem will be restored (vv.10-11). The land around Jerusalem will be as the plains…likely a picture given to contrast how the City of Jerusalem stands out against the backdrop. In the City, there will be security and Peace (v.11).

VV.12-15 is a flashback to the victory brought about at Armageddon. Following this, all of the peoples of the earth who are not destroyed will worship the Lord. In fact, those of the nations will make pilgrimage to Jerusalem annually to worship there as at the Festival of Booths (v.16). There will be nothing in life that is not consecrated to the Lord. All things will be Holy and He will be worshipped by all (vv.20-21).

If you were looking to see a comparison of these events, the final chapters of Revelation (among others) share similar prophetic images. While “grasping” all of this in full understanding probably is not possible, we see with broad strokes that God will ultimately gather together His people and restore them. He will gather together His enemies and judge them. He will then be worshipped by all who remain without reservation or distinction because He alone is God of all the Universe. There will be no United Nations then. There will only be One nation…and it will sit under One God…the One True God…the Creator and Sustainer of all Life…the Righteous judge and the Gracious Savior. Before Him all of Creation shall worship and all that wars against the flesh will be destroyed. It will be perfected, unimpeded worship of the One True King. All Hail King Jesus!

Proverbs 14:16 is the takeaway today. “A wise man is cautious and turns away from evil, but a fool is arrogant and careless.” Wisdom and foolishness are revealed by what we do. Wise people act wisely and foolish people act foolishly. (By the way…remember that foolishness, naivety, and simple-mindedness are all synonymous here in the Proverbs). The opportunity to sin, the temptation to act foolishly…is all around us. What we do when the internal warning device (the prompting of the Holy Spirit) goes off reveals whether we are wise or not. There is nothing wise about disregarding God’s warnings or testing ourselves to see if we can handles temptation to sin. The wise…turn away.

Since we just wrapped up the last of the Minor Prophets, let’s head back to the NT for a stretch. In fact, let’s just read the Gospel of Matthew together for the next 28 days. See you there. Be faithful!

Take Two: Zechariah 14, Proverbs 14

In Zechariah 14 you see another reference to the “Day of the Lord.” meaning the Second Coming of Christ. Notice the particulars that are included. First, a “fountain” is opened in Jerusalem. This fountain is the fresh work of the Holy Spirit. Now (while not everyone will agree with this) in my theological understanding of the End Times, part of the “judgment ” of the tribulation/Great Tribulation…is the removal of the restraining hand of God (in the ministry of the Holy Spirit) from the world. I believe that the purpose of the tribulation is to prepare the hearts of those who remain (particularly the Jews), for this fresh work of God “drawing” them to Himself through the ministry of the Holy Spirit.

In v.2, we see an utter destruction of all forms of false worship. In vv.3-6, we see that a death penalty for “false prophesy” will be imposed and, as such, the false prophets will abandon their false religious practices. Many will deny that they have ever been prophets at all (v.5).

V.7ff states that to bring this about, the Creator…God Himself…calls for the “sword” to be lifted against His Shepherd…that is Christ. The phrase translated “My Associate” in the latter part of the verse is a word which is often translated as relative. In other words, the Christ will be related to God the Father (think Jn 3:16). The striking of the Shepherd (v.7) causes the sheep to be scattered. This scattering will be as judgment toward the little ones (v.8) but will serve to refine the people (v.9); thus, bringing them to a point of redemption and confession that God is their Lord!

NOTE: remember that this is a prophesy and the events in these verses are not necessarily sequential. The events of vv.7-9 have occurred and are occurring, while the events of vv.1-6 are still yet to come. This is common in prophetic writings…even though it is strange to us as Western thinkers who expect things to be in chronological order.

As I reflect on this, I am taken by two things. First, the continuing accuracy of this prophesy some 500 years before the events of Calvary. Second, the sovereignty of God who works all things, including these events, in a manner that is ultimately redemptive and telling of His grace.

Proverbs 13:21 is the takeaway today. “Adversity pursues sinners, but the righteous will be rewarded with prosperity.”

Take Two: Zechariah 12, Proverbs 12

The events of this chapter are related to the Battle of Armageddon. “In that Day” is a marker that appears repeatedly in these final chapters and speaks of an eschatological (end times) event revealed by prophesy (v.1).

v.3 details that all of the nations will gather against the Jews. In this great battle when all the world turns against God’s people, that God brings about a complete victory over the nations. The horses will be struck with confusion and the riders will go mad (v.4). (IOW: The victory will be caused by a source that is supernatural.) The victorious efforts of God will strengthen the hearts of God’s people for Him (v.5). The tribes of Judah will be a powerful force and will destroy their enemies, because the Lord has defended them (v.8).

NOTE: There is no distinction between the victory at the hands of Israel and the victory brought about by God. The issue is not “whose effort is responsible?” The effort is both natural and supernatural, but the praise goes to God who defended them (vv.7-9).

In v.10 we see the act of grace through the pouring out of the Holy Spirit on Israel. This gracious act will cause Israel to recognize her Messiah “whom they pierced through” and be moved to unparalleled mourning and repentance (vv.10-14). [For further, see Rom 11:7-10, 25-27 for Paul's explanation of this gracious act.]

As you consider these verses, one is greatly aware fo God’s grace and His faithfulness to His covenant. The piercing referred to here is still 500 years in the future. The Battle of Armageddon has still not occurred…nearly 2500 years later. God’s promise to His people made thousands of years before Zechariah (See Gen 12:1-3, et. al) is still awaiting fulfillment…but God will do it…faithfully…as He always has.

Proverbs 12:3 is the takeaway today. “A man will not be established by wickedness, but the root of the righteous will not be moved.” There are a lot of shortcuts in life today. Some would choose to pursue wickedness because it appears to bring blessing in the short run. However, in the end…it dissipates. The righteous may not seem to bear any fruit of blessing in the short term…but a root is present and it shall not be moved. One thing about it…it will eventually bear fruit and the stronger the root system, the more fruitful it will be.

Take Two: Zechariah 11, Proverbs 11

In Zechariah 11, you find some powerful messianic imagery. VV.1-3 represent the total destruction of Israel. The ruin and desolation are so severe that the shepherds wail.

In vv.4 ff, you see the advent of the good shepherd who cares for the flock, even though the flock has rejected the covenant of God (pictured in v.4 by the statement of their impending doom.) The efforts of the Good Shepherd are rejected and result in the destruction of the staff called “favor,” meaning the loss of blessing/protection/benefit provided by God.

NOTE: To keep this in perspective…think “Jesus came to His own, and they did not receive Him.”

The “afflicted of the flock” in v.11 are the remnant of faithful among the unfaithful in Israel. Notice in v.12 that the price paid for the Good Shepherd was 30 pieces of silver which was thrown to the potter. (NOTE: Cross reference with Judas who betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver- MT 26:14 ff; and see that the field where Judas’ body lay was the “potter’s field”- MT 27:1-10).

REMEMBER, the events portrayed in Zechariah occur hundreds of years before Christ’s birth.

v.14 pictures the division between the Northern 10 tribes (Israel) and the southern 2 (Judah).

VV.15-17 are difficult imagery as well. Now the Lord has Zechariah portray the evil shepherd (i.e. the antichrist). This one will pretend to care for the flock (possibly even through reuniting the peoples and seemingly being accepted by the people) but will ultimately not seek to care for the flock; rather, he will facilitate their ruin.

NOTE: Some folks have questions about the truthfulness and reliability of Scripture. They wonder why Christians claim to have so much confidence in a book…while denying that other religions have similar revelation for themselves. The reason for Christian confidence (and for that matter…Jewish confidence in the OT) is due to the reliability and verifiability of the Scriptures. When you read prophetic imagery like this, it should give you confidence in the God who revealed it and an assurance in the promises yet to be fulfilled, like the second coming of Christ, the rapture of the church, the ultimate destruction of evil, and the full manifestation of the Kingdom of God. If you are a believer, then it should also bolster your confidence in your justification before Him and your role in the coming Kingdom. Praise be to God who gives us more than enough information to have an informed faith in His love, mercy, and provision!

Proverbs 11:19 is the takeaway today. “He who is steadfast in righteousness will attain to life, and he who pursues evil will bring about his own death.” I am reading a book, “The Principle of the Path” by Andy Stanley. In it he speaks of the principle of this proverb. When you set the course of your life for righteousness, you arrive there. When you set it for evil, you arrive there. Much of what we experience in our lives is not the result of fate or chance, but the natural result of the decisions we have made for ourselves and the course we have set for our lives.

Take Two: Zechariah 10, Proverbs 10

In Zechariah 10, we see a restatement of the coming blessing of Judah (including Israel). In vv.1-3, Israel is told to seek rain from God…and not idols (as the neighboring nations do). It is God who will provide for His people. He alone is to be sought for provision.

This fits clearly with the series we have been studying at church. Israel would not have abandoned the Name of God totally. They would have considered themselves to be “covenant people” of God who looked for God to save them. At the same time, however, they would be open to or (maybe) even sought benefit from the gods of the other nations. Imagine that there were teachers of false religions that would tell the Israelites that by seeking benefit from their religions too, they would be provided for. In fact, it is doubtful that the false religious teachers ever required Israel to seek their god exclusively.

Today…this still exists. We name the name of God but expect that the government will provide for us. We call on our God and we are open to a little “new age” thing…if it accomplishes the task at hand. We might even justify it by saying that “God can provide for us through these other means if He wants to.” (See Hosea 2:7 for other examples of this). Just to be clear…God will not provide for us through a false religion since doing so would cause glory to be given to the false god. However, God is not the only giver of benefit. The enemy is a counterfeit in nearly every way. He will be glad to do a few tricks for you…give you a little benefit to dissuade you to trusting in him rather than the One, True God.

The rest of the chapter details the gathering of Israel/Judah from all places and their victory over their enemies. Notice that they would be victorious in their efforts because God was with them.

NOTE: God’s provision often involves our effort and His blessing. He can act supernaturally to provide a victory. He can drop Manna from heaven. He also can bless the efforts of his people as they seek Him and pursue His agenda…bringing about provision for them.

Notice also the Messianic references in v. 4. From Judah will come the Cornerstone, the tent peg, the bow of battle, and the ruler. These are all references to the coming of the Messiah.

V.6 is a statement of grace. “[God] will bring back the house of Joseph because he has compassion on them.” Not because they were deserving, but because He is merciful and compassionate. NOTE: His restoration of His people today occurs in the same way.

Proverbs 10:16 is the takeaway today. “The wages of the righteous is life, the income of the wicked, punishment.” As certain as tomorrow’s sunrise is the true judgment of God. Life to the righteous and punishment to the wicked. Do we really believe that? If so, it is evident in the choices we make.

Take Two: Zechariah 9, Proverbs 9

Chapter 9 details the prophesy (burden) of judgment against Israel’s enemy neighbors. In vv.1-8, you see an overwhelming force that destroys the enemies, dispossesses them of their land and wealth, and destroys much of the cities and their inhabitants. Historically, the line of march listed here corresponds to that of Alexander the Great. In fact, historians and scholars both attribute the fulfillment of this prophesy to his conquest; however, theologians are careful to not that his success was unusual in human terms. Therefore, they see that God was the conquering force (as is indicated here) and Alexander was the human agent of God’s judgment.

In vv.9-10, we see a Messianic prophesy about the coming King of Israel who brings about Salvation (v.9). He comes into Jerusalem mounted on a “foal of a donkey” on a colt (v.9; cf. Luke 19:28ff). This King brings peace to the nations and His kingdom has no limits or boundaries (v.10).

Because of the covenant of God with His people, they are delivered from oppression/captivity and doubly blessed (vv.11-12). The Lord will appear and blow the trumpet and victory will belong to His people (vv.14-17) and they will be like bright and glorious beauty against the backdrop of the world again…a picture of the full restoration and blessing of His people. (NOTE: historians attribute a partial fulfillment of this prophesy to the Maccabean period…but see the ultimate fulfillment at the Second Coming of Christ.)

QUESTION: If, in fact, Alexander the Great was the human agent of God’s judgment against the nations…does God use human agents today to fulfill His will? For instance…is is possible for God to use human armies and agents today to carry out His divine purposes…even when those may be acts of judgment against a particular people group?

My point is that…sometimes we see the biblical witness as somehow distanced from us. We affirm that God worked a certain way “then,” but we struggle with the fact that God still works in that manner now…or with us. For some…who think God is a member of an American political party…the thought is that if the other party is in power, then God has given up and moved away from America, since “God would never use someone like that to carry out His purposes.”

Alternatively, we should truly consider that God is still providentially at work in our world today, actively and graciously working to bring about His own Glory among the nations. What you struggle with in your life, may not be a scheme of the devil…but may be an agent of God’s will. Perhaps you are being refined or perhaps God is working through you to bring about deliverance for another person or people group. Could it be that God might use you as an agent to change the world and prepare the way for Christ’s Second Coming? (Yes, I am asking some provocative questions because I want you to consider that God may be at work on a higher plane…and you may play a part in it…if you have eyes to see and ear to hear.)

Proverbs 9:9 is the takeaway today. “Give instruction to a wise man and he will be still wiser, teach a righteous man and he will increase his learning.” The principle at play is teachability and humility before God. Often time we spend an inordinate amount of effort trying to convince people who do not desire to know what we are speaking. (i.e. trying to convince a self-assured atheist of the truthfulness of God’s Word and the historicity of the biblical account.) Well, you cannot argue a guy into faith. We would be wise…to spend our time with those who want to know and learn. A man who does not want to become wise…has no fear of God. Our approach to him is to try to help him see his need for God. Apart from this acknowledgment, no amount of facts and figures will ever take root and bear fruit of godliness.

Take Two: Zechariah 8, Proverbs 8

Chapter 8 pictures the promised peace and security for Zion/Jerusalem. Like most other prophesies, there is an “already/not yet” component to the prophesies. In the forward view…the prophesy should motivate those working in Jerusalem to continue their rebuilding efforts. They were to rightfully anticipate a coming peace for God’s people. This “peace” would not ultimately last though. Ultimately, the “Peace” spoken of in these messages is not fully realized until the Millennial Kingdom.

In 8:1-3, God declares His continuing passion for Israel. He is zealous for His chosen people. NOTE: Some people want to believe that “the Church” has replaced Israel as God’s Chosen people and that the prophesies made regarding Israel in the OT are transferred to the Church; thus, implying that God has no special relationship with Israel any longer. This is purely conjecture. The Scriptures teach plainly that Israel was chosen by God for a specific purpose. The Scriptures plainly teach that Israel has a role in the Millennial kingdom. The church is “grafted into” the vine that is Israel, but it does not replace the vine. The promises of God are for all those who love God and are justified by Christ’s work at Calvary…both Jew and Gentile. However, it is an erroneous step to simply “discard” Israel as an OT precursor to the “realIsrael,” the Church. There is no biblical warrant for this.

How can I say so with such conviction? Because the Scriptures (like these) speak of Israel in the Millennial Kingdom. You must do something with the MANY texts (like these) that speak of Israel in this way. A true “biblicist” (i.e. one who hold the Bible, not processed theology or logic as ultimate authority) must take literally passages like these that speak of Israel in this way.

I will confess…I don’t know how it all fits. I know that no one is saved apart from the work of Christ. I also know that there are many prophesies about Israel that are made in the OT that still have an “ultimate” fulfillment waiting. God is true. He brings these to pass. I cannot and would not even consider trying to “change” the recipient of these prophesies simply because I don’t know how God will fulfill them. I don’t have the authority to “change” anything. Only God determines who is the recipient of His blessings. He has spoken and serious biblical study demands literal fulfillment of the promises of God.

In v. 7 we see a regathering of the People of God to Jerusalem where God dwells. This is a picture of the Millennial Kingdom and the regathering of Israel to God (along with those people of the nations who are grafted in and are fellow recipients of God’s blessings).

How can one know that this promise is certain? Vv.14-15 remind the audience…just as God purposed the oppression of Israel by its enemies and it came to pass, so His purpose for their blessing and regathering shall also come to pass. (NOTE: Another example that Israel is the literal recipient of this promise…and it is not transferred to another group.)

In vv.18-19, God speaks to the fasts inquired about in CH 7, as well as two others. These fasts will no longer be self-imposed fasts of mourning…but will be “cheerful feasts” of joy as God restores Israel!

VV.20-23 speak again to the Millennial Kingdom. In that day, many peoples and mighty nations will go to Jerusalem to seek God (v.22). V.23 tells us that the nations will cling to Israel and to Israel’s God…because they have heard that God is with Israel and has exalted her!

As a finalnote: Consider the implications of these prophesies. Some will discard all that I have said…”pigeon holing” me into some theological camp that they “heard” was not credible. Other will simply “gloss over” the implications because it is difficult to process from a “church” perspective some 2,500 years later. But…if it is true…does that affect how one relates to Israel and understands other NT passages like those I alluded to here in this post? I find confidence in the fact that God’s promises, which are eternal, have not changed at all. God did not transfer His promises to some “new group” of people simply because the “old group” did not “get it.” Rather, God brought actions into the lives of the “old group” to draw them back to Himself…including the grafting of the church into them, so that God may bless all the nations through them (See Romans 9-11 for a biblical approach to this view from a Jewish man’s perspective.) I find confidence in God’s unfailing promise to Israel…because I often fail Him…yet He promised me that I would be eternally secure in my relationship with Him…based on His faithfulness (1 Jn 1:9, Jn 3:16-17, Rom 6:23, et.al.) Praise God…for He alone is worthy of all praise!

Proverbs 8:36 is the takeaway today. “But he who sins against [Wisdom] injures himself; all those who hate [Wisdom] love death.” God’s way is the only way to experience abundant life.

Take Two: Zechariah 7, Proverbs 7

Some two years have passed between chapters 6 and 7. Presently, the temple reconstruction is about halfway complete, so a delegation came and inquired whether they were required to continue to fast as they had imposed to remember the burning of Jerusalem and destruction of the Temple (v.3; also see 2 Kings 25:8-10). In other words, since the temple was being rebuilt, there was a desire to stop the fast of rememberance.

V.4 indicates a message for the people through the prophet. V.5 poses the question… “Who were you fasting for anyway…God…or yourselves?” The self-imposed fast was a matter of religious formalism and self imposed piety. What may have begun with some meaning, had devolved into religious drudgery and obligation.

While formalism in worship is, in itself, not a bad thing; however, formality as a substitute for true worship is always a bad thing. V.8 gives the second message (as indicated by the marker, “then the Word of the Lord came.” God desires true, heartfelt response to him. Without true relationship and response, all religion is futile (vv.9-11). The people had failed to listen to God…in fact, they hardened themselves against His Word (vv.11-12). As a result, God refused to hear them and delivered them over to their oppressors (vv.13-14).

Now here is where some today get heartburn. They have a hard time with God exercising judgment. They forget that God is not mocked. As a man sows, so shall he reap (Gal 6:7). If you live a life separated from God by your rebellion, you have no reason to expect that God owes you a response when you cry out to Him. In fact, I hear people ask God for help all the time…even when they do not know Him. They have no relationship, yet they think that God should be expected to just “jump” when they call out.

Friends, the attentive ear of God and His promise of answered prayer is given to those connected to God by relationship. If you choose to run hard away from God, you cannot expect that he will smooth out your path of escape. The prayer that God hears from those who rebel, is the prayer of repentance and the yielding of one to His Lordship. In fact (and this is free), I think it makes a mockery of God to reduce Him to the role of “cosmic concierge” who runs each time we call down to the desk. It is defamation of God’s character to display to a world that God simply exists to run to us each time we have a whim or a desire. He is worthy of our surrendered lives. Anything less…places us in the driver’s seat and God in the backseat.

Do you see God and respond to Him as Lord/leader of your life? Or, do you see him as a cosmic power you try to invoke to accomplish your great desires apart from Him?

Proverbs 7:1 is the takeaway today. “My son, keep my words and treasure my commandments within you.” Two ideas here: Keep and treasure. We are called to hold fast to and stay diligent to employ the Word of God in our lives as our chief instruction. We do so, because we value the Word as Life giving and God honoring. When we do so, we actually protect ourselves from the heartache that comes from following our own devices…as in the rest of the chapter.

Take Two: Zechariah 6, Proverbs 6

Chapter 6 contains the final of the eight night visions. There are two “movements” in the chapter. The first is the sending out of the chariots by the Lord (Adonai) of the earth. They represent the judgment of God against the nations. The directions of the judgment represent two recognizable enemies: The Egyptians (to the South) who were responsible for 400 years of captivity and the Babylonians (to the North), the most recent captors…prior to Persian domination (which is their present day situation). These chariots execute judgment against the wicked and thus appease the wrath of God (v.8).

NOTE: Every sin ever committed must be judged. Either the judgment for sin is appeased (propitiated) by accepting Christ’s actions at Calvary (Jn 3:16-17, 1 John 2:2, Rom 6:23, Rom 5:8), or each person will experience the wrath of God for his own sin. Certainly, Babylon and Egypt represent powerful nations who denied this reality and experienced the judgment of God for it.

V.9 begins a second movement of this vision. With the coming of judgment there also come a coronation. Symbolically, Joshua (the high priest) is crowned with a crown made of gold and silver (vv.9-11). In this, Joshua is symbolic of the coming “Branch,” the Messiah, who will join the two offices of High Priest and King. This is a foreshadowing of the Millenial Kingdom.

I say that the crowning of Joshua is symbolic, in part, because the crown is then taken from him and is to be entrusted to the Temple as a reminder of what is to come (v.14). The coming Kingdom is not the same as a kingdom on this earth in our understanding of kingdoms. It is the expressed Rule and Reign of Christ and His Kingdom encompasses all of Creation. His subjects are from every tribe, tongue, and nation (v.15; also, Rev 5:9-10). Yes…there is a present tense idea in the rebuilding of the Temple (after all, that was the point of the prophesy to Zerubbabel; however, simply rebuilding the Temple does not make a Kingdom in an earthly sense.) These verses, then, look forward to the Millenial reign of Christ.

REFLECTION: Do we look forward to the Rule and Reign of Christ as reality? Do we see with expectation the coming Kingdom? If we anticipated that any day now…Jesus may step back into our sphere of existence as King and execute righteous judgment…would it be reflected in different actions and attitudes on our part?

When I go on a trip, I do several things to prepare. I get an itinerary together, I check the weather, pick out my luggage and clothing, make arrangements for transportation, and tell my family goodbye. I keep close watch on the calendar and my watch…in anticipation of the coming hour. In other words, I live differently when I anticipate the upcoming event. Jesus tells us that we are blessed if we are prepared and waiting at all times…believing that our reunion is imminent.

Proverbs 6:26 is the takeaway today. “For on account of a harlot, one is reduced to a loaf of bread, and an adultress hunts for the precious life.” Two realities are spoken of here. First, the enemy is on a “Hunt” for the precious life. He seeks to devour and destroy those who give glory to God. He uses many means but rarely does he appear as he is. It is always through deception. Second, when man yields to the enemy’s deception, he is reduced from great and glorious…to a loaf of bread. He is brought low. So…flee sin and avoid the patway of the wicked. Run! Guard yourself! These are the instructions of wisdom to those who will hear.

Take Two: Zechariah 5, Proverbs 5

Two more visions are described in this chapter. The first is a giant scroll that flies above the earth. It measures 30 feet by 15 feet (v.2) and serves as the curse over all of the evil in the land. The writings on the scroll, admonitions against stealing and false witness (vv.3-4), serve to “purge away” those who violate them. The representation in view is the Law of God.

Note: Remember that the Law cannot save. The Law can (and does) convict of sin, but it is unable to save. No one can perfectly adhere to the Law except God, so it serves to demonstrate to us that we require a gracious and merciful act from God to ever be made righteous. All religions except Christianity teach that there are things we can do to be justified before God. Only the Christian Faith teaches that man is helplessly lost apart from God’s grace.

In vv.5-11 we see an “ephah” or measuring pot. In it is the personification of evil…i.e. religious, civil, and ethical evil. All of the evil is gathered up from within the land and contained in the ephah before it is removed to the land of Shinar (Babylon) where it will be enthroned. The vision is two-edged. First, it speaks of the removal of sin from the presence of God’s people. It speaks of the containment of that sin in a vessel where it is maintained for a season. Second, it speaks of an amassing of evil that will be worshipped and embraced in the world (i.e. the Land apart from God). This “evil” system will be exalted and it will appear to grow without restriction…but judgment will ultimately come against it.

(FURTHER STUDY: For more on worship of this evil that is enthroned, see Rev 14:9-12; See also Rev 17-18 for a description that parallels this vision about evil in Babylon; See Rev 20:1-3 for a picture of Satan being bound for 1,000 years before his release for a short time.)

One final observation. There are only two choices. Either we worship the One, True God…or we worship the system apart from God. There is no middle ground…for “basically good” people or “those who are Christians in name/confession”…without lives that reflect the same commitment. There is no mediate “abyss” where people simply cease to exist. There is no land for atheists (those who reject God) apart from those who embrace evil. The point being…Each person is required to choose between the two possible options. Some folks hold that there is a middle view of “non-choice” but the Bible teaches differently. In fact, it teaches that we all are, by default, in the camp that worships the system that is apart from God. By default, we are apart from God (Romans 3:23) and are therefore doomed to an eternity apart from God (Romans 6:23a), unless we accept the gift of God’s Grace in Christ Jesus (Romans 6:23b). Doing so means to switch allegiance from the system apart from God to an allegiance to God. In other words, to acknowledge Jesus as Lord (Owner, Ruler, Master) of our lives. To live according to His rule in our lives, as citizens of His Kingdom.

Where are you? Is He in control? Have you yielded to Him? Are you a Christ follower…or simply a “Christ-acknowledger?” Even the demons and Satan himself acknowledged Jesus. They knew/know who He was/is. However, they did not yield to Him as Lord, but exalted themselves to a self-acclaimmed lordship. Where are you?

Proverbs 5:14 is the takeaway today. “I was almost in utter ruin in the midst of the assembly and congregation.” The one who ignores the wisdom of God…though he be in the middle of the congregation, can be bound for destruction, if he does not yield to the Wisdom of God and live with Christ as Lord.