Week 73: Zechariah 3-8
Click to listen to this week’s recorded GodSpeak discussion group!
[audio:gs02-08-11.mp3]
Want to join the discussion? Drop in a comment below!
Monday, January 31 Zechariah 3 Read & Listen Online (Click “Audio” link to listen)
1. Zechariah’s fourth vision (Zechariah 3), a vision of the high priest Joshua receiving a clean set of priestly garments to replace his filthy ones, is wonderful picture of God’s plan for our salvation. Explain God’s plan using this image. How do these passages relate to this picture: Isaiah 64:6; Jeremiah 2:22; 1 John 1:7; Ephesians 5:25; Psalm 51:1-2? Confess your faith together in the words of the hymn “Jesus, Your Blood and Righteousness” (LW 362).
Tuesday, February 1 Zechariah 4 Read & Listen Online (Click “Audio” link to listen)
2. What are the small things, in our eyes, with which God does His work (Zechariah 4:10)? A plumb line (Zechariah 4:10) is a small thing. What do you do with it? Why is it important? Olive oil might be considered a small thing. Of what importance is it? On the other hand, what might we consider a big thing? How about power? What does the Lord tell Zechariah about power (Zechariah 4:6)? What is the message of Zechariah’s fifth vision (Zechariah 4)?
Wednesday, February 2 Zechariah 5 Read & Listen Online (Click “Audio” link to listen)
3. Describe the two visions in Zechariah 5. The two visions seem to have a common message. What is it? How does God accomplish this task?
Thursday, February 3 Zechariah 6 Read & Listen Online (Click “Audio” link to listen)
4. As you consider Zechariah 6, think about the Pentecost season, think about what happened on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2) – through the work of the Holy Spirit many believed and more were added to the fellowship of believers each day. What evidence do you see in both of these portions of Scripture to suggest that God is eager to get His message of salvation through Jesus out to the world? What is the thought regarding spreading the Gospel that is implicit in Zechariah 6:5, 7, 12, 15? What might be done to increase your own efforts to “build the temple of the Lord”?
Friday, February 4 Zechariah 7 Read & Listen Online (Click “Audio” link to listen)
5. What is the question the people of Bethel wanted the Lord, through His priests and prophets, to answer (Zechariah 7:3)? Does the Lord answer their question directly (Zechariah 7:5-6)? What seems to be His answer? What do the directions given in Zechariah 7:10 have to do with answering the question the people had? How does this discussion in Zechariah apply to our lives as Christians, especially as we worship, receive the Sacrament, and as we go about our daily tasks? Consult these Scripture references as you discuss your ideas: 1 Timothy 4:8; 2 Corinthians 7:10-11; Hebrews 10:19-25.
Saturday, February 5 Zechariah 8 Read & Listen Online (Click “Audio” link to listen)
6. Identify and explain some of the sad and somber occasions that we observe. Then read Zechariah 8:19. How has God turned our sad and somber occasions into “joyful and glad occasions and happy festivals” (Psalm 30:11; Habakkuk 3:18; John 3:16; Philippians 4:4; 1 Peter 4:13)? Give several examples. Praise God in the words of “In You Is Gladness” (LW 442).
Today’s Light Discussion Questions © 2009 Concordia Publishing House.
Used with permission. To subscribe to Today’s Light, contact Concordia
Publishing House via e-mail at cphorder@cph.org, via phone at 1-800-32-3381,
or via fax at 1-800-490-9889