The Mount of Olives
Good morning,
The book of Zechariah is a unique one because it is a collection of different prophecies, visions, and events that occurred over the long ministry of Zechariah. The last portion of the book is often mentioned during the season of Lent because it contains many prophecies about the Messiah. One of the more remarkable Messianic prophecies is found in 14:4:
On that day his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem, and the Mount of Olives will be split in two from east to west, forming a great valley, with half of the mountain moving north and half moving south.
The Mount of Olives is the site of an interesting progression of events in the Bible. In 2 Samuel 15 it is where David flees to weep after he is betrayed by his son Absalom. Then King Solomon makes it a site of false idol worship in 1 Kings 11. In the Gospel’s we see Jesus make many trips to the Mount of Olives, including at least 3 times during Holy Week. It was during the 3rd trip to the Mount of Olives when Jesus was betrayed by Judas. If the story of the Scriptures ended there the Mount of Olives would not be a symbol of hope!
BUT, Acts 1:11 tells us that the Mount of Olives is where Jesus visibly (and physically) ascended into heaven and then Zechariah tells us that Jesus will return not just in the very same way, but in the very same place!
See, at the Bridge we believe that a day is coming when Jesus will very visibly (and physically) return to earth, and Zechariah tells us exactly where it will happen – the Mount of Olives. In passage right before this verse we learn that God will allow all the enemy nations of Israel to attack Jerusalem and surround it. The enemies will even enter the city and begin to wreck all kinds of havoc. Then, just when all seems lost, Jesus will return, and what a return it will be!
See, Jesus doesn’t just appear on the Mount of Olives. When his feet hit the ground, a great earthquake will split the mountain in two, creating a deep valley. This valley provides an “escape route” for God’s people to flee through and avoid death and destruction. Then Jesus will smite all of his enemies (Zechariah’s account of this is pretty graphic) and stand victorious for all-time! Revelation 16 and 19 are considered parallel prophecies to this great event and provide more detail about it.
We do not know when Christ will return, but we know how and where He will return. Therefore, we can face today's troubles with confidence rather than fear. The same Jesus who came humbly to save us will one day come in glory to reign.
Here’s what’s happening:
1. We are in need of someone to provide the pre-service snack this Sunday. Please let me know if you are about to help out with this.
2. SUNDAY – Double Nickels Luncheon after the service.
3. 9/24 – Youth Group at 6:30 pm at the church.
4. 9/27 – Elder Nomination forms are due. If you need a form please see me.
5. 9/27 – Youth Group Luncheon
6. 10/2 – Youth Group at Cherry Crest Corn Maze
7. 10/30 – Harvest Party
8. 11/3 – Double Nickels Service Project at Blessings of Hope
9. 11/22 – Thanksgiving Meal
This Sunday our focus will be on Zechariah 7. The people of Jerusalem have a question for God - Can we stop a religious tradition? God gives them an answer that they weren't expecting! We'll look at why God hates empty religious traditions and how we can make sure that we are "practicing what we preach!"
Have a great weekend…look for a Saturday evening update from me on any changes to our time together on Sunday morning.
Scott