Thursday 20 November 2014

Zechariah 8:23 Fulfilled

Zechariah 8:23 must have been fulfilled WHILE the Old Covenant still stood - because the passage mentions a style of worship which was distinct to the Old Covenant but irrelevant under the New Covenant - and God doesn't return to a shadow.

For example:

The passage mentions set fasts and feasts which were required under the Law - but aren't required and aren't possible anymore (verse 19).

It mentions going to Jerusalem to worship - but Jesus said the hour was coming and now is when worshipers are no longer required to worship in Jerusalem (verses 21, 22).

It mentions Judah as distinct from Israel - that distinction was relevant up until the time of the return from captivity/exile, but no such distinction exists anymore (verse 19).

All of those details were distinct to the Old Covenant - but irrelevant after a New Covenant was made.

The prophecy was fulfilled by the return of Israel to their land from captivity. It was an event which brought God great fame in the nations. In Acts chapter two we see an example of people from all nations going to Jerusalem to keep the Feast.

And in that historical context, Zechariah said, Messiah was to come.

If we mistakenly think the prophecy is still future, then it means the Word of God has failed - because the circumstances in which Messiah was to come have already ceased in Israel and can't be possible again in the exact way that was written. But the Word of God cannot fail.

Even if the same circumstances were possible again in future, that could imply Messiah has not come yet, and would also require Judaism in the future. But that's not what the Apostles taught.

But if we correctly understand the passage as fulfilled already, then it affirms that JESUS is the Messiah and shows that He alone saves and that Judaism is not a requirement.

It makes the GOSPEL shine out through the Scripture. 

The people of God are those who accept Jesus - whether Jew or Gentile.

But none of this means Jews can't still repent and believe and be saved. They still can - because God hasn't closed the door until He comes.

1 comment:

  1. Fantastic! Short and succinct, yet carrying the support necessary to answer the question. Thank you for this refreshing look at the historical context!

    Joseph Eidsvik

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