I can’t remember a week of sermon prep that was more challenging than last week. Zechariah is a tough book. It would be challenging to teach that book in a series of sermons. But to try to do it in one sermon made this a difficult task.
I start my sermon prep on Monday by reading through the entire book. I knew last year when I planned this series that it would be hard. If you’ve been to our church very much, you know that I’m not one to be brief. So, tackling an entire book was going to make things difficult. When I reread Zechariah last Monday, I was gasping for air. When I started pulling the “threads” of the book on Tuesday, I didn’t see much light. As Wednesday rolled around, my typical day to start the research, I felt pinned. By Thursday, I started seeing some glimpses of how to attack the sermon and had the beginnings of a rough draft for an outline. I was at rest Friday morning and had a final outline with descriptions under each point. When I started writing on Friday morning, things in the first three points flowed freely and easily. But then the last point got me. I had the most challenging time putting chapters 9-14 in summary form and once again felt myself underwater. I went to bed on Friday night in desperation. Mid-Saturday morning, I was able to find a way through the final point. But then, on my way to dinner with our family, other things came to mind. When we returned home around 9:30 p.m., I put the finishing touches on the sermon, read it to Jill, and went to bed.
It was the longest manuscript I took the pulpit that I can remember. It’s why my pace was quicker than usual. I’m a faster talker, which served me well. However, I had no idea that this sermon was shorter than most. Because of the vast content, this sermon felt like a fire hydrant.
This coming week, we will finish the Minor Prophets by studying Malachi. I’ve heard from many of you that this series has been beneficial and challenging. I feel the same way. I’m generally convicted about some area of sin that I preach in any sermon, but this series has challenged my devotion, loyalty, and perspective on God’s kingdom. I hope it’s done the same for you.
How to Read Prophecy
One of the comments I made in Sunday’s sermon needs more explanation. I said that our job is to obey God and leave God fulfilling all things up to God. We don’t need to be bothered about the minutiae (small details) of prophecy and when those things will be fulfilled more than we need to be concerned with courageously demonstrating and declaring the gospel. Our job is a long obedience in the same direction, trusting God to do what only God can do and trusting Him to fulfill all of His promises.
Here’s why I say That (in a very general summary)
When we read a prophecy, we should first read it as it was written to the original hearers. They would not immediately think, “God is going to wait 2000 years to accomplish this.” More than likely, they are thinking of some immediate or “soon” fulfillment. As an example, when John wrote in Revelation that these things must “soon” take place (Rev. 1:1), the original hearers would be thinking “soon.” Secondly, we should read prophecy as revealed throughout history. We have a unique vantage point to the original hearers. We can see some of the prophecies fulfilled (i.e., Jesus’ birth), and there are some things yet to be done (i.e., Jesus’ glory covering the entire earth). Thirdly, and I think for our time very important, we need to realize that prophecy in the Bible is given in vague images, pictures, and symbols and is mysterious for a reason. The reason seems to be, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. (Acts 1:7)”
Because of this, it seems that many American (Western) Christians spend an enormous amount of time concerning details of Bible prophecy when God has not given us the authority nor the clarity to understand it. This does not mean that we ignore prophecy or the wisdom of living in the days and times God has put us in. But it does mean we should spend more time with our kids than staring at the stars, and we should spend more time guarding our hearts than reading the “tea leaves.”
Finally, because prophecy is vague and challenging to understand, it should be placed in the “open-handed” category of theology. I realize this might be new to some of you, but there are several different views of prophecy and end-times studies: Dispensational Pre-Millenial/Pre-Tribulation; Historical Pre-Millenial; A-Millenial; and Post-Millenial. And in each of these “camps,” there are all sorts of sub-camps. The predominant view in America in the last 50-100 years has been the Dispensational Pre-Millenial/Pre-Tribulation view. However, the other three were prevailing views in the history of the church. Godly men and women believe each view. I think it’s important to be gracious with others that you might disagree with, but we all must keep the perspective that Jesus will win in the end, and the gospel will have the intended impact God intends.
Family Meeting-Sunday, December 11th at 1:30 p.m.
We will have our annual family meeting this Sunday at 1:30 p.m. in the church sanctuary. This is the only meeting (outside of Sunday services) during the year that we ask our members to make a priority. This Sunday’s meeting is important to our future as a church. At this meeting, we will show renderings of the potential new building we’re pursuing, discuss a possible change in services on Sundays, and discuss overall ministry updates.
If you are a member or a regular attendee at CLF, please make plans to join us.
From the Cheap Seats
- In my opinion, other teams are better than TCU. I’m just not sold on the Big 12. But I think the committee is in a tough spot with only 4 picks. Head to head, I believe that Alabama, Tennessee, and Clemson would beat TCU.
- Well, Jacob deGrom is a considerable upgrade when healthy. The Rangers had to dip deep to get a pitcher of his quality, so I’m hoping he can stay healthy and give us the best pitcher in the game. But there is still more work to be done. The Rangers need more pitching and another bat.
- I did not see the Eagles boat racing the Titans. Jimmy G out for the year will affect the 49ers.
- I guess the Las Vegas Bowl is better than what Texas A&M will be doing this bowl season. But I was hoping the Beavs would be in a better bowl. Playing an SEC team is a good matchup, however.
- I don’t know what to think about Deion Sanders going to Colorado. Indeed, in the NIL era, he’s a huge draw. He seems to be able to attract top recruits and a good coaching staff.
To watch or listen to the sermon described in this post, please click here.
Have a great week!
In Christ,
Dave York
