Cards 111-114 ZEPHANIAH’S “DAY OF THE LORD” REFERS TO: THE COMING PUNISHMENT OF JERUSALEM Zephaniah’s book begins in deep gloom. Like other prophets, he condemned the sins of his nation and predicted judgment from God. But he went one big step further. He talked repeatedly about “the day of the Lord.” and saw that it would be a supernatural event sweeping clean the whole planet. Zephaniah offered no hope that it could be avoided. The Lord had warned and pleaded, but to no avail (3:6-7). Zephaniah saw hope for a minority only. A faithful, humble remnant could be sheltered from disaster if they would seek God. Jerusalem’s future hung in the balance, and Zephaniah’s words may well have helped tip it toward renewal of faith in God. Beyond the judgment fires Zephaniah saw something remarkably bright. He predicted that a purified remnant of God’s people, truthful and humble, would trust in God. He foresaw a remade world learning to worship God. Therefore this short book, which starts with such gloom, ends with an ecstatic song of joy: an anticipation of the kingdom to come after the judgment. God’s blessing will flow freely as every nation worships him.

ZEPHANIAH’S DAY OF THE LORD REFERS TO A. The coming punishment of Jerusalem B. The day the Lord returns to earth C. The day the Lord sings to Zephaniah Zephaniah’s book begins with great joy? True or False Did Zephaniah condemn the sins of his nation and predict judgment from God? Did Zephaniah offer any hope that the day of the Lord could be avoided? Had the Lord warned and pleaded with the people to repent? A faithful remnant of the people could be sheltered from disaster if they would seek God? True or False Did Jerusalem’s future hang in the balance if they did not change? Did Zephaniah’s words help tip it toward renewal of faith in God? Will God’s blessings flow freely if every nation worships Him? Does that apply to us individually today?

HAGGAI’S PROPHECY DEALS WITH THE REBUILDING OF THE TEMPLE Sometimes, at crucial moments, a single voice can stir a directionless mass of people to action. Haggai’s words rang clear in a time of confusion. The Jews had come back from their exile in Babylon nearly 20 years before. But they seemed to have forgotten the point of returning. After one false start on the temple, the exiles had devoted their energy to building their own houses. The ruins of Solomon’s temple stood as a nagging reminder that they had neglected God. Now Haggai urged these pioneers to “give careful thought” to their situation. He did not rage hard, but what had it earned them? Their crops were unsuccessful. Their money disappeared as soon as they earned it. Why? Haggai asked. Because they had mistaken their priorities. They needed to put God first. They needed to rebuild His temple. People responded to Haggai immediately. Prophets before him such as Amos, Isaiah, or Jeremiah, had spoken for decades without seeing such a heartfelt reaction. Haggai’s messages span a mere four months, but he accomplished everything he set out to do. In four years the temple was complete.

HAGGAI’S PROPHECY DEALS WITH A. Rebuilding of bridges B. Rebuilding of altars C. Rebuilding of the temple Can a single person stir a directionless mass of people to action? Can a good minister in a church do this? The Jews had been in exile in Babylon nearly 20 years before Haggai stirred them up? True or False After returning did the Jews neglect God? Even though Solomon’s temple stood in ruins what had they devoted their energy to building? Had the Jew mistaken their priorities? Are we inclined to do this today? Give an example. Like the Jews do we need to put God first always? Give an example. What did the Jews need to do? Did the people respond to Haggai immediately? Did Haggai accomplish everything he set out to do? How long did it take to rebuild the temple?

ZECHARIAH PROPHESIES EIGHT VISIONS OF THE RESTORATION OF JUDAH Most people find Zechariah difficult to understand. Throughout the book you will find references to people and events that are hard to interpret. For historical background of Zechariah’s times, read Ezra 1-6. Zechariah is mentioned by name in Ezra 5:1 The first six chapters of Zechariah offer eight symbolic visions, which were meant to encourage the builders of the temple. They are not too difficult to understand if you take them one at a time and don’t rush through them. Their main emphasis: God is at work again. He plans to live with his people in Jerusalem. He will protect them from their enemies, cleanse them from their sins, and banish evil He is making a new beginning for them. The restoration of Judah (Rebuilding the temple) Zechariah’s vision of the horses (Zech. 1:7-17)

ZECHARIAH PROPHESIES EIGHT VISIONS OF A. Restoration of Judah B. Restoration of Garden of Eden C. Restoration of altars Throughout the book of Zechariah you will find references to people and events hard to interpret? True or False The eight symbolic visions were mentioned to encourage the builders of the temple? True or False The main emphasis of Zechariah is that God was at work again? True or False God had no intention of protecting the people in Jerusalem from their enemies? True or False God would cleanse them from their sins and banish evil? True or False Was God making a new beginning for them? Will God do the same for us today when we confess our sins?

ZECHARIAH’S PROPHESCIES OF JESUS DEAL WITH LAST DAYS OF CHRIST Needed: A Change of Heart The book of Zechariah is a record from the critical period of rebuilding the temple. Zechariah wasn’t mainly interest in a building, however. More important was the relationship with God that the temple symbolized. In his first recorded words Zechariah warned his people not be like their ancestors. What good had a temple done them? A really new beginning required a change of heart. “Return to me,” declares the LORD Almighty, and I will return to your” (l:3) The last half of Zechariah widens its view to the whole world. The small refugee community of Jews, Zechariah says, holds the world’s future. Their new beginning would become the hope of the world. The last six chapters of Zechariah are packed with puzzling references to the struggles Israel must endure in becoming what God wants. You will find predictions of terrible suffering and absolute victory. These chapters as complex as they are, helped the Gospel writers understand Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection. The writers quoted these chapters as they wrote of Jesus’ final days.

ZECHARIAH’S PROPHECIES OF JESUS DEAL WITH A. Last days of Zechariah B. Last days of Christ C. Last days of Judah The book of Zechariah is a record from that critical period of rebuilding? True or False Was this the main interest of Zechariah? To him was it more important that relationship with God, that the temple symbolized, be the main goal? A really new beginning required a change of h_____________? Is that still true to today? Give an example. Would the new beginning of the Jews’ community become the hope of the world? The last six chapter of Zechariah helped the gospel writers understand Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection? True or False 8. The book of Revelation, telling of the final goal of history, also draw on Zechariah’s predictions?