Our daily reflections follow the M'Cheyne Bible reading plan, designed for those who want to read the whole Bible in one year. Each reflection focuses on one of the chapters from that day's readings. Darllenwch rhain yn Gymraeg.
Lord, open my ears to hear what you have to say to me; open my heart to love your word, and open my mind to understand your truth.
In this new oracle, starting at chapter 12.1, Zechariah brings a message of hope and restoration to Judah and its capital city, promising to ‘destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem’ (verse 9).
Against our expectations, though, the response is not one of triumphalist celebration. Instead, something better is foretold: the people will break down in mourning and weeping as God pours out ‘a spirit of compassion and supplication’ on them. In particular, they mourn for a mysterious figure described as ‘the one they have pierced’. And as the people weep with bitter regret and repentance, God promises to open ‘a fountain … to cleanse them from sin and impurity’ (13.1).
Zechariah gives no clue to the identity of this special person – unless he is thinking of God himself, pierced to the heart by the people’s rejection of him in favour of false gods. However, John 19.37 shows us the prophecy being fulfilled by Jesus, the crucified Messiah, physically pierced with a Roman centurion’s spear after his death.
Just as in the passage about the peaceful king riding on a donkey (Zechariah 9.9), there is a sense here that God’s compassion for his people breaks suddenly through the turmoil of judgement and destruction. His ultimate purpose is revealed, which is to purify his people and bring them back into close relationship with him.
This is all the work of God: only he can open eyes and change hearts to bring true repentance. And as believers in Jesus, we participate in his gift of cleansing from sin. The fountain opened for the house of David has never been closed down: it is available to us too, when we recognise how deeply our rebellion grieves God.
Thank you, compassionate God, that when we repent, you are so quick to restore our relationship with you. Thank you that the cleansing fountain is open to us all.
This reflection was written by Lisa Cherrett, Editorial Project Manager in the Publishing team
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