READ: Zech. 12:1-14:
Once again, the LORD, as the almighty God of heaven and earth, speaks words of encouragement concerning Jerusalem as the city of the church and His dwelling place. The church will be like a cup of drunkenness (v.2): the enemies, in service of the great adversary, will not be able to overpower her with their physical or intellectual strength. Like drunkards, the church’s enemies will be helpless.
The church is also like a heavy stone that is nearly impossible to lift and causes injury to those who attempt to move it. Such a stone can be an obstacle and a stumbling block. The church proclaims the Gospel, testifies of Christ, and calls people to repentance. But because of this, she is also a source of offense, a stone of stumbling (1 Cor. 2). Attempts to remove this stone will lead to severe judgment.
The LORD will also cause so much confusion among the enemy that the church will not suffer harm, but the enemy will bring destruction upon itself (v.4). The gates of hell shall not prevail against the church.
Moreover, church members will draw courage from the Gospel, enabling them to stand firm in faith and even fight with the strength and fire of the Spirit (vv.5-6). They continue to trust in the LORD, who, in His almighty power and faithfulness, governs all things—even the human spirit within them (see v.1).
He will also give them strength like David experienced against Goliath (v.8). He will make the leaders into mighty heroes who find safety in the Angel of the LORD who fights for them (as seen in Israel’s journey through the wilderness). Thus, there is a future for Jerusalem.
In verse 10, we read about the outpouring of the Holy Spirit as the Spirit of grace and supplication. He is the Comforter, who also intercedes for us with inexpressible groanings (Rom. 8:26-27). He will work in us so that we recognize and confess that it is because of our sins that Christ had to die on the cross (v.10). This points to Acts 2:23 but also applies to us as believers—both men and women (vv.11-14).
Who are the enemies of the church?
Sing: Ps. 81:11