As we continue this study of the Dead Sea scrolls, authorities announced the discovery of several more scrolls as their extensive search for more hidden caves and treasures continues. Given the “coincidence” of the events described in previous devotionals, God’s providential involvement in these developments becomes clear. His Word tells us what is about to happen, and discoveries of Biblical texts seem directly related to modern prophetic fulfillment.
A few years ago, two passages of scripture were discovered. The first was this passage from the prophet Zechariah; “These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to one another, render true and perfect justice in your gates. And do not contrive evil against one another, and do not love perjury, because all those are things that I hate—declares the Lord.” [Zechariah 8:16-17]
This passage’s emphasis on speaking truth and establishing justice (“mishpat” in Hebrew) is so powerfully relevant for Israel and the world.
If you remember, it was just a few months later that Israel was rocked by massive protests as the nation became deeply divided over judicial reform. Many protesters across the country voiced their concerns about the proper administration of justice.
In recent years, we’ve witnessed increasing deception from governmental narratives and injustice through mandates and new laws. Truth and justice for all people are being threatened like never before. Once again, we can see the relevance of God’s warnings to the world about the impending judgment on lies and injustice!
The second portion of this passage refers to the Messianic age, or what some would term the Millennial Kingdom. Zechariah 8:19 speaks of the fasts performed in various months due to past judgments, which will become “seasons of joy and gladness and cheerful feasts.” During this time, the Lord will rule from Jerusalem, and the nations will all be coming to seek Him! [Zechariah 8:22]
Trouble is increasing, perhaps the greatest in history, but the Kingdom of God is at the door … it’s not time to fret or be paralyzed with fear! God is warning the nations, but He is also encouraging us, for soon, our fasts will become feasts of joy!
Copyright 1999-2024 Worthy Devotions. This devotional was originally published on Worthy Devotions and was reproduced with permission.
How to display the above article within the Worthy Suite WordPress Plugin.
[worthy_plugins_devotion_single_body]In 70 AD Jerusalem finally fell to the mighty Roman army led by Titus after a long siege. To commemorate the Roman victory over the Jewish rebellion, an arch was erected in Rome known to this day as the Arch of Titus. This famous arch depicts the fall of the Temple and its artifacts paraded in a processional described by the historian Josephus’ in his account, “The Jewish War.”
Genesis 24 recounts the marriage of Issac and Rebekah. As the offering of Isaac by his father Abraham was a clear picture or type of our Heavenly Father’s offering of His Son Yeshua, we may also view this marriage as a picture or type of Yeshua’s marriage to his Bride.
One of my heroes of the faith, Watchman Nee, once said something profound about entering the rest of God. He said, “Carnal Christians crave works; yet amid many labors, they are unable to maintain calm in their spirit. They cannot fulfill God’s orders quietly as can the spiritual believers… their hearts are governed by outward matters. Being “distracted with much serving” (Luke 10:40) is the characteristic of the work of any soulish believer. They have not yet entered the rest of God.”
I just read an interesting article discussing how the current crisis is spawning worry and anxiety syndrome amongst many people. An emotional environment is sweeping the land. The effects may be subtle, but they’re serious. Do we want to contribute to this?
In Israel, we often see goats and sheep roaming the countryside. Driving through rural Israel often involves suddenly stopping to allow a herd of sheep or goats to cross the road. But interestingly, I have never seen “sheep kill” on the side of the road in all the years that I’ve lived in Israel. It’s because sheep don’t roam without a shepherd!
Set my mind on things above where my life is hidden with Christ…
…every problem, every issue, every fear, every practical matter concerning nature and flesh, to be reckoned in the light of a spiritual identity, a reality which I cannot see, a Heaven which is somewhere outside my universe. And Paul says, “Seek that!” How do I do that? How do I stretch my attention into the Heavenly realm…set my mind on things above?
The Sabbath is a weekly experiential reminder of the FREEDOM we experience from bondage to sin. In the above passage, Moses explicitly connects the celebration of Shabbat with deliverance from slavery. Isaiah 61:1 beautifully expresses Yeshua’s saving work bringing good news to the poor, binding up the brokenhearted, proclaiming liberty to the captives, and opening the prison to those who are bound, a wonderful message of deliverance and freedom.