Introduction
1. Where we are in the book of Zechariah: Oracles visions of the future (looking forward to the Day of the Lord) with implications for the present.
2. The oracle starts off with a promise of vindication and deliverance (12:1-9).
3. We too love to hear this kind of feel-good message from God — that God would one day vindicate us.
4. The question is this: how do we walk with God through the valley of tears, before God’s victory and vindication comes to pass? God gives us two surprising gifts that get us to His destiny for us:
A. THE GIFT OF TEARS (12:10, vv. 11-14 for context)
1. God pours out His Spirit of grace! It’s a gift, a sign of His favour!
2. This gift of grace is a gift of tears. Having a contrite heart that weeps and cries out for God’s mercy is a great blessing.
3. Being contrite is not about wallowing in guilt and bashing ourselves — it’s about looking at God, not ourselves.
4. Being contrite is not just about trying to change our behaviour — it’s about being convicted about sin. Conviction comes when we see how much our sin has cost God — His own Son was pierced.
5. Will we ask God for the gift of tears — not an emotional experience, but a tender heart that is responsive to God?
B. THE GIFT OF TRANSFORMATION (13:1-9)
1. Tears are not an end in themselves but a gateway to spiritual transformation.
2. There is a fountain that washes away our sin, which remains continually open! (v. 1)
3. One day the presence of sin will be eradicated (v. 2). But until then, what are we doing to cooperate with God to eradicate sin in our lives?
4. Are we allowing God to refine and purify us (v. 9)?
5. In the midst of fiery trials, it is easy to believe the lie of the evil one — “God is testing me because He wants to torture me.” No, He loves us and wants to transform us through the testing (James 1:2-4).
6. “Sanctification is the universal renovation of our natures by the Holy Spirit into the image of God.“ – John Owen.
7. Will we accept God’s gift of transformation, though He takes us through the fire of refining and the mess of renovation?
8. How do we cooperate well with God in the midst of His refinement? Call upon His name! Respond to Him at every moment. (v. 9b). For the Lord calls to us, saying: “You are mine!” (v. 9c). We are His beloved.
Conclusion
Look on Him whom we have pierced!
Sunday Worship Songs at cefc.ch/sws
Next Week’s Topic: Zechariah 14:1-21
Next Week’s Speaker(s): Rev Dr Sharon Fong (BPJ), Rev Dr Chua Chung Kai (WDL) & Ps Lim Keng Yeow (East)
