The Coming Messiah: A Study in ZechariahSample

What does it say?

Zechariah saw a flying scroll, representing a curse on thieves and liars. He then saw a basket containing a woman, representing wickedness, which was carried off to Babylon.

What does it mean?

The visions in this passage take a sharp turn from the comforting and encouraging visions Zechariah had seen up to this point. The scroll was a reminder that God’s Law, given to Moses on the two tablets, was the moral foundation of Jewish society. Wickedness had no place among God’s people (Deut. 27:9-26). Those attitudes and behaviors were characteristic of ungodly cultures like Babylon. The fulfillment of these visions is yet to be seen in the Millennium. Israel will be completely purged of anyone who breaks God’s Law, marking the time for God’s long-awaited judgment on Babylon and the return of Christ to reign (Rev. 17-20).

How should I respond?

The lives of Christians should be distinguishable from those who do not follow Christ. As our culture moves further away from biblical thought, there should be a widening gap between believers and nonbelievers, yet the distance seems to be closing between the two. Scripture doesn’t adjust to the prevailing beliefs of our society. You must guard against ungodly attitudes that eventually lead to dishonest and immoral behavior. Today, filter every thought through God’s Word and submit each reaction to His Spirit.