There is a deliberate phrasing of the words “it shall be” in this portion of scripture. The Lord was making a point to his people. Some things are frightening to contemplate and others are a blessing. Whatever they are, they are linked to “shall be.”
To say something “shall be” means there is no question about it. We live in uncertain times. The sureties we have enjoyed are on shaky ground. Look what’s coming together, and look what’s falling apart. All our lives are touched by it. Some get to the point of doubt and a crisis of faith. Then through it, like a beam of sunlight coming through the clouds, the voice of God says “it shall be.” There are many things that matter and are set in stone.
Zechariah14:3 “Then shall the LORD go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle. 4 And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south. 5 And ye shall flee to the valley of the mountains; for the valley of the mountains shall reach unto Azal: yea, ye shall flee, like as ye fled from before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah: and the LORD my God shall come, and all the saints with thee. 6 And it shall come to pass in that day, that the light shall not be clear, nor dark: 7 But it shall be one day which shall be known to the LORD, not day, nor night: but it shall come to pass, that at evening time it shall be light. 8 And it shall be in that day, that living waters shall go out from Jerusalem; half of them toward the former sea, and half of them toward the hinder sea: in summer and in winter shall it be. 9 And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one.”
The outlook is bleak for the entire world. We know we’re living in the end times. It’s growing worse. The signs of the end are being fulfilled. It’s a thrill to be part of the fulfilling of the signs that the rapture of the church is eminent. The breakdown of homes, the pestilences, and the increase of knowledge are all there. Society is speeding up and seems to be rushing toward a foreboding destination. We’re caught in the middle of it. This prophecy of encouragement speaks of sobering things. No matter how horrible, “it shall be.” It can’t be stopped by anyone including the devil. Sin will be dealt with. The world system will come to an end. No matter how it seems or what people say “it shall be.” God keeps his word. What we are seeing now validates the word of God. Keep your eyes on what “thus sayest the word of the Lord.” What anyone else says is not important.
Verse 3 says then “shall the Lord go forth, and fight.” The Lord shall confront his adversaries for the final time. Those who seem to be winning will not be on top. God will win and rule. He will prevail. The outcome of this battle was decided before it will be fought. It’s such a comfort to be on the Lord’s side.
Verse 4 says “his feet shall stand…upon the mount of Olives.” This is not speaking of the rapture of the church. This is the final windup. On this day the Lord will prevail over Satan. The same feet which touched the ground 2,000 years ago in Bethlehem will touch the earth again. The mountain will split and make a valley for the 144,000 Jews who came out of tribulation. The remnant of his people will find safety in the valley.
Is the devil reigning? He’d like to have you think so. Is sin reigning? It would have you think so. The one who has always stood on his own two feet will always stand. Many times Satan is referred to as “fallen.” Never lose faith in your Savior. When it’s all said and done, he shall still be standing. Those who now follow Him will be found still standing as well.
There is so much in this scripture. We’ll pick it up next week.
Adwolfe Freewill Baptist Church 