Review

• (1:1-6) It’s time to repent

• (1:7–6:15) Eight visions revealing God’s big picture plan for what will be in the end

• “Chiastic structure”: Visions push forward to the central components in chs. 3–4

• (1:7-17) 1st Vision: God has not forgotten His promises (horses among the myrtle trees and a report of a peaceful earth)

• (1:18-21) 2nd Vision: God remembers His scheme for history (four horns and four craftsmen)

Third Vision (2:1-13): God remembers every nuance of every promise He has made to Israel

1. (2:1-5) Build Jerusalem with the guarantee of God’s fulfillment and protection

2. (2:6-7) How to respond to this guarantee of fulfillment and protection

   1. (2:6) Return from the judgment of exile

   2. (2:7) Restore your relationship with God

3. (2:8-9) How to know God guarantees this outcome of fulfillment and protection

   1. (2:8) God’s Servant will produce glory in His people

   2. (2:9) God’s Servant will promote the plunder of His people’s oppressors 

4. (2:10-11a) The ultimate outcome of God’s fulfillment and protection

   1. (2:10) Joy from a profound relationship with God

   2. (2:11a) Israel’s international impact because of its profound relationship with God

5. (2:11b-12) How to know God guarantees this ultimate outcome of fulfillment and protection

   1. (2:11b) Their obedience paves the way for this ultimate outcome

   2. (2:12) They are God’s prized possession and exclusive choice

6. (2:13) God is resolved to act

Implications

• Faith-filled obedience based upon God’s promises

• What God will do in the end demands faith-filled obedience now

• Beware of the comforting distractions of life in exile (see 1 Pet 1:1-9; 4:7-19)

• The church possesses a profound relationship with God because of the Spirit’s presence, but there is a relationship with God coming that is even more profound!

• God remembers every nuance of every promise

• Don’t mess with Israel!

• Everything depends upon the Servant