Friday - Zechariah 14 - The Return of Christ to the Earth

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ECHARIAH covered a tremendous amount of territory in his concluding chapter. The future events which were in his mind are familiar to us. Zechariah describes for us certain details about the final return of Christ to the earth (not the rapture) and the establishment of His kingdom here. Here (as in many passages of Scripture), this whole program is dubbed "the day of the Lord." Much like the days began in darkness in Genesis 1, the day of the Lord will begin with a black darkness. Jerusalem will be invaded (vs. 2). A great defeat will appear to be inevitable.  But the Son will rise and shine brightly at the dawning of THE Day of the Lord. Jesus Himself will fight for Israel in the battle of Armageddon (vs. 3). He will return to this earth, just as promised (vs. 4). In fact, He will come, and we will be with Him (vs. 5 plus Jude 1:14 & 15 and I Thessalonians 4:14).

Additionally, in vs. 8 there is a clear reference to the river of life that will be flowing out of the temple during the Millennial Kingdom (see also Ezekiel 47:1-12). Obviously, Christ will be King (Zechariah 14:9). The population of the world will increase exponentially (vs. 10).  Jerusalem will become the safest place on the planet (vs. 11). The enemies of Israel will be dissolved (vs. 12-13). Israel will become wealthier than ever before (vs. 14). The surviving Gentiles will worship Christ (vs. 16) - well, most of them will (vs. 17- 19).  And, holiness will dominate the earth (vs. 20-21).  What a day that will be!