ZECHARIAH & MALACHI

Today is Wednesday, and I finished up the Old Testament.  If you read the Bible through every two months, you will spend 45 days in the Old Testament and the last 15 days in the New Testament.  3/4 of the Bible is in the Old Testament.  It is the foundation for the New Testament.  Here are some truths: 1) A CHANGE OF GARMENTS- In Zechariah 3:1-4, we a scene consisting of Joshua the high priest, the angel of the LORD (Jesus), Satan, and God the Father.  Satan is standing at the right hand of Jesus to resist Him.  He is there to condemn the high priest.  In verse 2, the LORD rebukes Satan and tells him Joshua is "a brand plucked out of the fire".  Now in verse 3 we see that Joshua's garments were filthy.  He is the high priest, so if his garments are filthy.... all of our garments are filthy!  Now in verse 4 we read:  "Take away the filthy garments from him.  And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment.   Wow... God takes off our filthy garments of sin, and cleanses us and then puts on us the robes of His own righteousness!  Praise the LORD! 2) THE ATTRACTION OF HIS PRESENCE  Zech. 8:23- "We will go with you: for we have heard that God is with you."  If we walk with God, others will want to walk with us so that they can learn to walk with God!!  God draws people to people who walk with Him.  The key to spiritual leadership is not what you do with the crowd, but what you do with God while all alone!  If we walk with God, so good things start rubbing off on us and it affects those around us. 3) PROPHECY  Zechariah is full of prophecy.  So many, many verses are fulfilled in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ and many other verses are yet to be fulfilled.  The phrase "in that day" is mentioned 20 times, and in each time there is a prophetic statement mentioned.  I just noticed that phrase this morning myself.  4) THE ROAD TO REVIVAL- In Malachi, God is setting the stage for the entrance of Christ into the World.  There are 400 silent years between Malachi and Matthew, but much happens during that time.  In Mal. 3:1 it says: "Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me:"  In verse 7 it says: "Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the LORD of host."  Now God is wanting the people to return to Him in order to revive His people and send His son.  So, the question is..... What does God now address?  Well, God talks about tithes and offerings in verses 8-11!  Why, because if God doesn't have our treasure, He doesn't have our hearts.  So He deals with the treasure in order to turn our hearts back to Him.  Are you tithing?  Do you give offerings?  Anyone who is ever greatly used of God gives generously to the work of God, knowing it ALL belongs to Him!! Hope you have a blessed day, and tomorrow, we get into the New Testament!  Blessings on you my friend.   Pastor Mike Mutchler