God's Provision! (part 3 of 4)

Beginning again with the text that began this series…
“(3) My anger is hot against the shepherds, and I will punish the leaders; for the LORD OF HOSTS CARES FOR HIS FLOCK, the house of Judah, and will make them like his majestic steed in battle. (4) FROM HIM SHALL COME THE CORNERSTONE, from him the TENT PEG, from him the BATTLE BOW, from him every RULER -- all of them together.” ( Zechariah 10:3-4 ESV)

We have considered the importance and STABILITY associated with a “cornerstone” and the significance of the “tent peg” and our life being staked down or anchored firmly in Jesus and the hope He offers. The third item mentioned that would be provided by the “Lord of Hosts” is the “battle bow.”

Again and again as we look over the history of Israel we see how many times God was there to fight their battles for them. God was to be acknowledged as the One Who brought their victories. Reliance on God rather than self was to remain at the forefront of their minds. However, of what significance would be the “battle bow” to us? Let us remember there is a spiritual warfare going on and there remains the need to look to God for being sufficiently equipped in order to be victorious. The battle cannot be won by our own devices or personal strength alone.

In Paul’s second letter to the church at Corinth he mentioned…
“by truthful speech, and the POWER OF GOD; with the WEAPONS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS for the right hand and for the left;” ( 2 Corinthians 6:7 ESV)

Later on he would also mention…
“(3) For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. (4) For the WEAPONS OF OUR WARFARE are not of the flesh but HAVE DIVINE POWER to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments (5) and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,” ( 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 ESV)

It is not with the weapons of this world that we are to engage in the spiritual battle nor by our own cunning and strength, but by WEAPONS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS and of DIVINE POWER. It is by these and the strength the Lord provides that we can press on in the fight, being equipped with the spiritual armor He has provided suitable to the task. ( Ephesians 6:10-18) Among the list of spiritual equipment Paul mentioned in his Ephesian letter was the “sword of the spirit” which he stated “is the word of God.” ( Ephesians 6:17) There is great power in the truth of God’s Word being lived and spoken that can cut into hearts (i.e. Acts 2:37) and destroy arguments as thoughts are brought into captivity in submission to Christ. This was the aim of Paul in his ministry.

But even beyond our own being equipped is the One behind whom we are to continually march. In Revelation we read…

“And I looked, and behold, a white horse! And ITS RIDER HAD A BOW, AND A CROWN was given to him, and HE CAME OUT CONQUERING, AND TO CONQUER.” ( Revelation 6:2 ESV)

Keeping Jesus out front as we faithfully follow Him, we will be led victoriously through this life and on into eternity. May we follow on acknowledging that victory comes from the Lord.

Have a great day TRIUMPHANTLY LIVING IN CHRIST!
Carl

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