Today, we see a word about idolatry in Zechariah. The people were worshiping idols because they did not trust in God to take care of them. They worshiped the idols as a “backup” plan against the dangers of a failed harvest or infertility. They worshiped idols because they didn’t trust. Without faith, it is impossible to please God. Our faith grows when it is tested. That is the second part of this day’s reading. First, we see the punishment of idolatry. Second, we see that the Lord is going to test our faith with trials. In the same way that silver is refined, our faith will go through trials and tests, and as we go through this, we will see our faith grow. For as hard as trials and tests can be, that is when our faith grows the most!

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Good morning. It’s good to be back with you after being out for a few days. While I wasn’t really on vacation, I was at a jurisdictional conference. It’s great to continue our study in Zechariah. Today, we’ll finish chapter 13, and tomorrow we’ll tackle chapter 14. After that, we’ll move on to Malachi. We’re getting close to finishing the Minor Prophets, so let me know what you’d like to study in the New Testament next. I’ve really enjoyed our time in the Minor Prophets and feel like we’ve gained a deeper understanding of them.

In these verses, we see the Lord’s judgment against false prophets and idolatry. Idolatry in the Old Testament wasn’t just about worshipping graven images like the golden calf, but it was also about placing trust in things other than God. The Israelites often worshipped Canaanite gods of fertility and harvest, known as the Baals, as a way to hedge their bets for a good harvest and many children, revealing their lack of full trust in God. This divided loyalty is why idolatry is so condemned in the Bible.

In this passage, the Lord promises to remove idolatry and false prophets from the land. The false prophets will be so ashamed that they will deny their calling and claim to be simple farmers. This speaks to the deep cleansing and purification that God intends for His people.

Verses 7-9 shift to a metaphor of striking the shepherd and scattering the sheep, which can be seen as a prophecy about Jesus, who referred to Himself as the Good Shepherd. The striking of the shepherd leads to a time of trial and testing for the people. Two-thirds will perish, but the remaining third will be refined like silver and tested like gold. This process of refining and testing, though difficult, is meant to purify and strengthen the faith of God’s people.

As much as we might not want to go through trials and tests, it is through these experiences that our faith is truly refined and strengthened. The Lord promises not to leave us during these times. He will say, “They are my people,” and we will say, “The Lord is our God.”

If you are going through a time of refinement and testing right now, hold on to Jesus. Trust that He is with you and will see you through. Don’t turn to idols—whether they be money, power, fame, or anything else that takes the place of God in your life. Trust in the Lord, and He will not let go of you.

Thank you for being with us today. Tomorrow, we’ll pick up with chapter 14 and finish Zechariah. Have a great day!