Lent begins with Ash Wednesday on February 17th and so does our emphasis on the book of Zechariah. Throughout all fourteen chapters of the book, Zechariah joyfully and profoundly announces that God’s kingdom is coming through Jesus Christ our Lord. With that in mind, our theme and focus comes from chapter one: return!
While the book focuses around Zechariah’s oracles, visions, and prophecies, it also focuses on Jesus. The book of Zechariah abounds with stunning portraits of our Savior. Jesus serves as the prophet’s Interpreting Messenger throughout the first six chapters. Zechariah calls Jesus a “Shoot” (3:8; 6:12), “Servant” (3:8) and “Stone” (3:9). It is in his last six chapters, though, that the prophet describes Jesus in much more compelling ways. Jesus is righteous and humble (9:9). The blood of his covenant sets prisoners free (9:11). He is the church’s Cornerstone, Tent Peg and Battle Bow (10:4). Then, in a dramatic twist of fate, Christ is detested (11:8), sold for thirty pieces of silver (11:12), struck so his sheep scatter (13:7) and finally pierced and killed (12:10). In the end, however, God’s kingdom comes—finally and permanently, in pristine beauty (14:9, 16, 17). The book will be our focus for our special services, along with our mid-weeks.
Sermon texts are as follows:
February 17: Zechariah 1:1–6
February 24: Zechariah 1:18–21
March 3: Zechariah 3:1–10
March 10: Zechariah 5:5–11
March 17: Zechariah 8:20–23
March 24: Zechariah 13:1–2
March 28: Zechariah 9:9–10
April 1: Zechariah 9:11–12
April 2: Zechariah 12:10–14
April 4: Zechariah 14:8–11
We hope that you join us for these midweek services, either in-person, or virtually! This Lent, rejoice, for God’s kingdom comes to you—through Jesus our Lord!
Pastor Nick Kooi
(Originally published in Emmaus Footprints, Vol. XXII, Number 7, February 2021)