Many of you might remember a famous, historical quote “I shall return”, which was made by General Douglas MacArthur during World War II. When the Philippines were invaded and occupied in 1942, General MacArthur had to evacuate the islands, but he promised the Philippine people that he would return and liberate them. MacArthur kept that promise, and before the war was over, he did indeed return and liberate them from enemy occupation. As he waded ashore from off his ship, he told the country, “People of the Philippines, I have returned.” There is Someone else who made that promise, not just to one nation, but to the whole world. In our Scripture today we read of when and how that promise will be fulfilled.
After Jesus’s resurrection, He spent the next 40 days giving His disciples some final teaching and instructions. Then, bringing them to the Mount of Olives, Jesus visibly ascended up into heaven, with the promise that He would return (Acts 1:9-11). In the closing chapter of the Book of Zechariah, the prophet describes when and how the Lord Jesus will return, and we can trust that it will happen just as he has prophesied it will.
Our portion of Scripture takes place during the final days of the Tribulation period. During this time there will be persecution to Christians who have come to faith in the Lord Jesus during the Tribulation, and there will also be terrible persecution to the Jewish people, as well. After having pretended to be their friend, the Antichrist will wage war against Israel. At the end of the Tribulation, all of Israel’s enemies will band together and go to war against them. This is the Battle of Armageddon. Jerusalem will be defeated, homes ransacked, goods plundered, and many people killed. We read that in the verses just prior to where our passage begins (Zechariah 14:1-3). Just when all hope seems to be gone, Jesus will return and rescue His people.
When Jesus went back into heaven, it was from the Mount of Olives. When He will return, it will be to precisely that some location (vs. 4). He will stand on the Mount of Olives, from which He ascended. The prophet describes a violent earthquake which will occur then, as well (vs. 4-5). This violent earthquake will split the mountain, making a path going east to west, which will make a path of escape for God’s people.
Verse 8 speaks of living waters that will flow from Jerusalem after the Lord Jesus returns there. The living water of the Lord Jesus brings eternal life (John 4:14; Revelation 22:17). The Gospel will flow like a river all over the world, washing away the sins of all who partake of it in faith (Hebrews 10:22).
When the Messiah Jesus returns at the close of the Battle of Armageddon, He will destroy the armies of His enemies. He will reign as King of the whole earth (vs. 9). His dominion will be over all nations. On that day every knee will bow and every tongue will swear allegiance, proclaiming Jesus is Lord (Philippians 2:9-11; Isaiah 45:23). Jesus will do away with all false religions brought forth by Satan. He will be universally acknowledged as Lord over all. When Jesus came to earth the first time, it was to serve and to die for our sins. This second time He will come to rule and to judge the entire earth.
Many people do not believe that Jesus will return, as His promise was made about 2,000 years ago, and the prophecy of Zechariah about 2,500 years ago. Even some Christians have grown weary of waiting. The over two years that the Filipino people waited for General MacArthur seemed long, and under harsh conditions. If they could trust a human, a mortal man’s promise, we can certainly trust the Son of God’s promise. Jesus will return, just as God’s Word, the Bible says He will.
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