It’s Maundy Thursday. The day before these prophesied events were to take place in history. In Zechariah 6 we have the vision of the four chariots, their horses and riders – each with a prophetic destiny. But we are also introduced to the One who is described as the Branch – One who is both a Prince and a Priest.
Zechariah 6: A Vision of Four Chariots
1 Again I lifted my eyes and saw, and behold, four chariots came out from between two mountains. And the mountains were mountains of bronze.
2 The first chariot had red horses, the second black horses,
3 the third white horses, and the fourth chariot dappled horses---all of them strong.
4 Then I answered and said to the angel who talked with me, "What are these, my lord?"
5 And the angel answered and said to me, "These are going out to the four winds of heaven, after presenting themselves before the LORD of all the earth.
6 The chariot with the black horses goes toward the north country, the white ones go after them, and the dappled ones go toward the south country."
7 When the strong horses came out, they were impatient to go and patrol the earth. And he said, "Go, patrol the earth." So they patrolled the earth.
8 Then he cried to me, "Behold, those who go toward the north country have set my Spirit at rest in the north country."
The Crown and the Temple
9 And the word of the LORD came to me:
10 "Take from the exiles Heldai, Tobijah, and Jedaiah, who have arrived from Babylon, and go the same day to the house of Josiah, the son of Zephaniah.
11 Take from them silver and gold, and make a crown, and set it on the head of Joshua, the son of Jehozadak, the high priest.
12 And say to him, 'Thus says the LORD of hosts, "Behold, the man whose name is the Branch: for he shall branch out from his place, and he shall build the temple of the LORD.
13 It is he who shall build the temple of the LORD and shall bear royal honor, and shall sit and rule on his throne. And there shall be a priest on his throne, and the counsel of peace shall be between them both."'
14 And the crown shall be in the temple of the LORD as a reminder to Helem, Tobijah, Jedaiah, and Hen the son of Zephaniah.
15 "And those who are far off shall come and help to build the temple of the LORD. And you shall know that the LORD of hosts has sent me to you. And this shall come to pass, if you will diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God."
Things to think about…
1. Zechariah 6:1 speaks of 4 chariots coming out from 2 mountains which were made of bronze. The two mountains might represent 2 testaments or Law and Grace. Bronze refers to the origin – these messengers have come from the throne of heaven as told mentioned in Zech 6:5.
2. Zech 6:2,3 describe the colours of the horses – red, black, white and dappled. These colours are similar to those described in Revelation 6 which were also sent out throughout the earth to fulfil the Lord’s purposes. The Lord uses these to do the work of the Spirit as Zech 6:8 says those “who go toward the north country have set my Spirit at rest in the north country”. There is comfort in knowing that whatever happens in the earth it is at the decree of the One whose heaven is as bronze, even for disobedience Dt 28:23. But He parts it and descends at the prayers of His saints, Ps 144:5, Isa 64:1.
3. A crown of silver and gold was to be made for the high priest – Joshua, Zech 6:11. This “crown shall be in the temple of the LORD as a reminder”, Zech 6:14. A reminder that there would be a Branch coming who would also unite the ministries of Priest and Prince, vs 13. He would come, as we know, wearing a crown of thorns initially. He now wears the crown of heaven and will return to gather His people. Jesus will also fulfil all the OT promises and prophesies concerning the literal fulfilment of the land being united under His throne.
4. Zech 6:15 says “those who are far off shall come and help to build the temple of the LORD”. These are no doubt the Gentiles that are called into the body of Christ and build the temple that Jesus said would be built in 3 days, John 2:19. There is a literal temple – that will be rebuilt – by the Jews. This is not the temple Jesus is referring to. There will be a Millennial temple that will be built when Christ returns. But the temple of the Lord that endures forever is where Christ dwells with His people for eternity – the temple of his body, His bride, the Church. This temple has been secured and ultimately has already been built because it has happened in the mind and will of God. “Those whom he justified he also glorified”, Rom 8:30. There is no better news than this! You I and are the ones who are “far off” that are called to build the temple of Christ – the church.
5. This new temple is what we celebrate this time of year that was secured through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. This is the one Jesus said, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." Jn 2:19. Encourage friends and unsaved family to consider Christ as their saviour. There is no better time to do it than Easter!
Vision statement for CBC
CBC’s Vision :- To be a growing biblical church community, significantly influencing our city and beyond, through intentional outreach, fulfilling our mission.
Cell groups on break over Easter and school holidays
Prayer Points
1. Good Friday and Easter Sunday services – please invite people who are happy to join us.
2. Pray the contacts made yesterday at the Family Day would and the conversations would continue to draw them closer to Christ.
3. Been a big term for our teachers pray Rosie and our teachers get a good rest over these next 2 weeks.
4. Pray for Chuwar Youth and Jarrod’s ministry. Pray as he meets with youth at Westside, Ipswich and Bundamba high schools as well as developing senior leaders.
5. How you can serve in ministry this year.
6. Growth, conversions, joy in the Word and Spirit to remain and increase.
Praise Points
1. Wonderful day yesterday, plenty of new contacts. Praise God for all who served Shaun, Paul, Rosie, Technical/Worship teams especially. Thankyou.
2. A good number of visitors on Sunday. Pray this increases over time.
3. Kids@Church and Youth ministries are a great blessing. Keep praying for Rosie and Jarrod as they rest and recuperate for next term.
4. Thankyou Beatty boys for worship on Sunday and Iman and Doug serving as technical team..
5. Joy, peace and grace we see at CBC. Thankyou Lord
Announcements
1. Good Friday – starts at 9am. Easter Sunday – 9:30am.
2. Chuwar Youth and Kids@Church on break over Easter and School holidays.
3. Remember to check your duty rosters.
4. Church bank details bsb:- 704 913 and Acc number:- 4000 4388 1
5. Tune in again this week on our youtube page. Subscribe to the CBC channel Chuwar Baptist YouTube channel.
Catechism questions for April...
Q. 8. Who are they? A. The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Bible References – Matt.28:19; 1Cor.13:14; 1Pet.1:2; Jude20 and 21
“Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known” Jer 33:3
