Communion. Remembering who we are as a nation that has been established on biblical principles. Not all colonists agreed about independence from England, but they were grounded in spiritual matters. Our forefathers desired to honor God as our nation's Originator

Anniversary of 1787 Constitutional Convention. Zec 9:9-17. The telescopic prophecy of vv. 9-10, contrasting 1st & 2nd Advents. Zec's use of pronouns and the Godhead's involvement in human history. Israel's end time eschatology described, including millennial blessings and the Lord's deliverance.

Zec 9:1-9. In Zec's 1st oracle, he tells of the punishment that will come upon the nations surrounding Israel in ~200 years. In the millennium the Philistines will be transformed, and the Lord will return to His house. The future Messiah's arrival is announced which is fulfilled in the Triumphal Entry.

Zec 8:18-23/4th Msg of Rejoicing. The four fasts and what they commemorated. At the Lord's 2nd Advent the fasts will be turned into joyful feasts, and the Gentiles will participate with the Jews in worship. 9:1-8; divine judgment on nations who opposed Israel, fulfilled in Alexander the Great.

Zec 8:1-17/Msg of Restoration cont. The character of God administered punishment for Israel's former disobedience; but in Zec's day, He was ready to bless the nation—if they returned to faithfulness. The Lord reminds them of His requirements including truth, justice, and love.

Article on the "tranimal" professor. Zec 8:1-13/Msg. of Restoration con't. Zec moves from a vision of the millennium to an exhortation that the remnant would finish rebuilding the temple. They were not to be fainthearted, but encouraged. The Lord would provide blessings for Israel because of their obedience, and they would be a blessing to Gentile nations.

Zec 7 reviewed. 8:1-9/3rd Msg of Restoration. Passionate for Jerusalem, the Lord promises that He will return & dwell in Zion—a reference to the end times—and will cause a worldwide regathering of His people in belief. This future hope, which is not too difficult for God, was to encourage the Jews in rebuilding the temple.

Armed Forces Day; "Junk" DNA. Review Zec 7:4-7; 1st Msg of Rebuke against disingenuous fasting rituals. 7:8-14; 2nd Msg of Repentance. God demanded true righteousness & covenant faithfulness, not merely outward religion. The land was desolate because of Israel's recalcitrance. Until there was obedience, God would not pour out His blessings upon the nation.

Zec 7:1-10. Review of historical setting (cf. Ezra). Zec answers the delegation about their self-imposed fasting: 1st & 2nd Msgs. Dishonest as the pre-exilic Jews, Zec rebukes them for their empty ritual. They need to devote themselves to that which God requires, including adjudicating justice & showing mercy.

PragerU vid: Global Warming. Horses and the Branch of Zec 6 elaborated. Historical setting: Samaritan resistance to bldg the temple & Persian kings of the time. Zec 7:1-7. A Jewish delegation inquires if fasting is to be continued— something for which was ritual w/o reality—an attitude similar to the pre-exilic state of the nation.