When Troublers Meet With Trouble | Zechariah 1:18-21

Scripture

• Zechariah 1:18–21

About this sermon

Introduction: Why do people suffer spiritually? Why do genuine believers sometimes find themselves in the same ditch on multiple occasions? What is at the root of believers losing their way for a season, finding themselves confused when they shouldn’t be? People usually don’t suffer because they lack complexity. People usually suffer because they ignore what is painfully simple. It is a lack of faith in the simplicity of the lives that we have been called to live. The lesson that we gain from the vision that ends chapter one could not be simpler. It is straightforward. It is clear. It communicated a clear message to Zechariah’s people. It communicated much needed comfort and courage regarding an immediate challenge. But it also communicates a clear message to all of God’s people down to our own day. It is a message that comforts and warns — a message that will benefit us if we simply believe it. Tonight, from this second vision we will look at FIVE SIMPLE FACTS THAT COMMUNICATE WARNING AND COMFORT. I. THE DETAILS OF THE VISION Zechariah is given a vision of four horns, and four craftsmen. The word for craftsmen can have a wide range of meanings depending upon the context. Blacksmiths, carpenters, artisans, workmen, are some of the words that have been used to translate the Hebrew. So, it could refer to a worker in metal, or a worker in wood. The idea of a “hammerer” might be the best idea to capture what Zechariah was given. These craftsmen shape materials with the hammer, and the idea is that the four horns will be torn down, destroyed, by these BUILDERS. There is an interpreting angel who explains the horns and the craftsmen. The horn was an ancient way to speak of power or pride. It was a symbol of strength. Nations or world leaders could be described by the analogy. ESV Psalm 92:5 How great are your works, O LORD! Your thoughts are very deep! 6 The stupid man cannot know; the fool cannot understand this: 7 that though the wicked sprout like grass and all evildoers flourish, they are doomed to destruction forever; 8 but you, O LORD, are on high forever. 9 For behold, your enemies, O LORD, for behold, your enemies shall perish; all evildoers shall be scattered. 10 But you have exalted my horn like that of the wild ox; you have poured over me fresh oil. 11 My eyes have seen the downfall of my enemies; my ears have heard the doom of my evil assailants. 12 The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. 13 They are planted in the house of the LORD; they flourish in the courts of our God. 14 They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green, 15 to declare that the LORD is upright; he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him. ESV Psalm 75:10 All the horns of the wicked I will cut off, but the horns of the righteous shall be lifted up. ESV Jeremiah 48:25 The horn of Moab is cut off, and his arm is broken, declares the LORD. ESV Daniel 7:19 "Then I desired to know the truth about the fourth beast, which was different from all the rest, exceedingly terrifying, with its teeth of iron and claws of bronze, and which devoured and broke in pieces and stamped what was left with its feet, 20 and about the ten horns that were on its head, and the other horn that came up and before which three of them fell, the horn that had eyes and a mouth that spoke great things, and that seemed greater than its companions. 21 As I looked, this horn made war with the saints and prevailed over them, 22 until the Ancient of Days came, and judgment was given for the saints of the Most High, and the time came when the saints possessed the kingdom. 23 "Thus he said: 'As for the fourth beast, there shall be a fourth kingdom on earth, which shall be different from all the kingdoms, and it shall devour the whole earth, and trample it down, and break it to pieces. 24 As for the ten horns, out of this kingdom ten kings shall arise, and another shall arise after them; he shall be different from the former ones, and shall put down three kings. 25 He shall speak words against the Most High, and shall wear out the saints of the Most High, and shall think to change the times and the law; and they shall be given into his hand for a time, times, and half a time. 26 But the court shall sit in judgment, and his dominion shall be taken away, to be consumed and destroyed to the end. 27 And the kingdom and the dominion and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High; his kingdom shall be an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.' The four horns and four craftsmen are not identified in specific terms. But we are told that the horns are the powers that scattered Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem. The four craftsmen will be raised up by Yahweh to THROW DOWN these four horns.