Zechariah 13, 1 Peter 2

(Zechariah 13)

"On that day a fountain will be opened to the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and impurity.

Clearly, this was a word picture of the coming Christ. Scripture goes on to share the dark fate of anyone who claims to be a prophet from that point on. It gives a clear picture of how insignificant the names of idols will become from that point on. Those were two HUGE things in OT culture. And they will be done with. Why?

Jesus said it best with his last words, “It is finished.”

Father I thank you for completion through Christ. Thank you that no longer must we wait on what’s yet to come. Instead, we can just live in Him. Help us to eliminate the idols in our lives, help us to “forget their names”.

(1 Peter 2)

Verse 1 challenges us to, “Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.”

Each of these words, either have to do with issues of authenticity, malignity, or condemnation of others. It’s amazing how each one of these characteristics or actions have to do with either how we view others, ourselves, or how we think they view us. When we take Christ OUT of the equation, whether it’s with a friend, a perceived enemy, a co-worker, ex-business partner, a family member, or stranger, it’s almost impossible not to allow some minor form of this list to play a role.

Not only is Christ the finisher and perfector of our faith (see Zech 13) but also the exact point in which our faith began and continues. He must always be our cornerstone in which we gain all our perspective. He’s our leveling agent that all our thoughts and feelings must be held to. Only then will we see the contrast when we are off line. These things are so easy to know, and yet in our flesh, so difficult to live.

God, give us the constant reminder through your Spirit that all our decisions, actions, emotions and feelings should be held captive to your ways and standards. Lord, may we not view your standard as burden, but as a privilege and a shield. Give us courage to move forward under your protection and guide. May we never look back.