THREE WISEMEN FROM BABYLON CROWN THE PRIEST Zechariah

THREE WISE-MEN FROM BABYLON CROWN THE PRIEST Zechariah 6: 9 -15

6: 9 -10 § Three men arrived from Babylon to Jerusalem. They stayed at the house of Josiah, the son of Zephaniah. They brought with them silver and gold to help in the work of rebuilding the temple.

6: 9 -10 § Their names are Heldai, Tobijah, and Jedaiah. They were representatives from the Jewish communities still in exile. § They were sent to Jerusalem to deliver silver and gold donations on behalf of Jewish communities in Babylonian territories.

6: 11 § The LORD instructed Zechariah to receive the silver and gold from these men and to use it in making a crown. § The crown was then placed on the head of Joshua, the son of Jehozadak, the high priest in Jerusalem.

6: 12 -13 § Zechariah revealed to the three men that the crowning was a symbolic act representing the mission of the Messiah who would one day come to Jerusalem. § Zechariah calls the Messiah “THE BRANCH. ”

6: 12 -13 § The BRANCH shall build the temple of the LORD. § The BRANCH shall bear royal (kingly) honor, and sit upon his throne. § The BRANCH shall be a priest on his throne, and the counsel of peace shall be upon them both.

6: 14 § The LORD instructed that the crown be placed in the temple as a reminder that the Messiah. Branch would one day take center-stage in the Temple.

6: 15 § The LORD further instructed the Jewish people who remained in the Babylonian territories that “those who are far off shall come and help to build the temple of the LORD.

1. THE MESSIANIC BRANCH

2. THE MESSIANIC BRANCH

3. THE MESSIANIC BRANCH

4. THE MESSIANIC BRANCH

5. THE MESSIANIC BRANCH

IMPLICATION § The diligent participation of the Jewish communities remaining in the territories of Babylon to the service of the temple was an important component in the coming of the Messiah-Branch.

IMPLICATION § The Jewish communities remaining in Babylonian exile were to send money and teams to assist in the temple building and in the service of the temple once it was completed.

APPLICATION #1 § The Babylonian Jews gave financial resources (silver and gold) to support the work of the Lord in Jerusalem. § Their contributions bought building materials and provided the monetary means for workers to devote their time and energy to the building of the temple.

APPLICATION #1 § God’s people in every generation are to give graciously of their financial and time resources in support of the work of the LORD.

APPLICATION #2 § Later, once the temple rebuild was complete, financial giving made it possible for some (Leviticus Priesthood) to devote their lives in the fulltime study and teaching of the Scriptures and to the service of worship in the temple.

APPLICATION #2 § The same holds true in the church today. Those who are devoted to the study and teaching of the Bible are to be provided sufficient support and income to do the work of the LORD by God’s people.

APPLICATION #3 § Three men were entrusted with the offerings given by the people of God for the work of God. They were tasked with receiving the offerings from God’s people and its safe transport to Jerusalem. § The responsibility for the proper disbursement of such offerings is a sacred trust from the LORD.

APPLICATION #3 § Pilfering, embezzlement, and misappropriation of funds is less likely in a system of checks and balances. Reduce the temptation to steal by having three or more persons of integrity watching the till.

BE FAITH-FOUR IN FEBRUARY MONDAY TUESDAY Romans 12: 1 -8 Romans 12: 9 -21 WEDNESDAY THURSDAY Romans 13: 1 -7 Romans 13: 8 -14

RCT Tomlinson, Christopher 1 st RTBN PLT 1024 Co B PO BOX 16125 PARRIS ISLAND, SC 29905 -6125

TEACH AND URGE THESE THINGS! ITS MY JOB, MAN… DONE!

RCT Tomlinson, Christopher 1 st RTBN PLT 1024 Co B PO BOX 16125 PARRIS ISLAND, SC 29905 -6125