Passage
Zechariah 13:1-9 (ESV)
Peter is Rescued
Acts 12:1-17
Key Verse: 12:11
The Shepherd Struck
Date: Dec. 20, 2014
Daily Bread
Key Verse: 13:7
First, cleansing from sin and impurity (1-6). As the Israelites repent before the one they have pierced (12:10), God will offer cleansing from all sin and impurity. Idols will be forgotten. False prophets will be ashamed of their lies and false visions. God is able to remove idolatry and impurity because he alone is able to cleanse and change hearts.
Second, "The LORD is our God" (7-9). The sword represents God's wrath. It is raised against the shepherd, a man close to the Lord. The shepherd would be struck and his sheep scattered. This was fulfilled in Jesus Christ (Mt. 26:31). God's full wrath for sinners was poured out on Christ. His followers were scattered. Even now, Christians scattered all over the world, are refined and tested like silver and gold. God declares of them, "They are my people," and they respond, "The Lord is our God."
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the cleansing from sin and impurity available in Jesus.
One Word: Jesus was struck for us
