Zechariah’s Second Vision
Zechariah saw four horns and four blacksmiths. The angel explained that the four horns represented the four world powers that would try to destroy His land and His people. Most likely the four horns represent Babylon, Medo-persia, Greece and Rome. The four blacksmiths represent artisans that carried hammers ready to crush each kingdom. Each of these kingdoms would destroy the preceeding one, but ultimately God’s Kingdom would destroy the final one. While it may appear that they operate independent of God, God’s sovereign hand is controlling all. He determines the duration of the kingdoms and limits their power.
The same is true for us on an individual level. The horns represent the enemy’s plans against us. The skilled craftsmen are those that are anointed and filled with grace to scatter and spoil the enemy’s plans. We are in a time where many feel desperate and alone, but God has promised to be with us. When all else has failed, God has promised to show up and show off. He is the One that will completely crush the enemy. In His great mercy, He is restoring His people so that sin can be dealt with and we can get on with the business of rebuilding with Him. This is the hour for His Kingdom to be built.
There are many skilled artisans that God has prepared to help in the process, ministers of the Word, prayer, deliverance, impartation, prophecy and comfort. When a craftsman is creating a work of art, he must apply pressure and cut away things that will not serve the end product. God says of us that we will be pillars in His Kingdom. Pillars undergo a process of cutting away, carving, smoothing and refining, but the end result is beauty. Do not be afraid of the process the Lord is taking you through. He will not let the enemy destroy you, He has made you for beauty! Job says, “when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold.” (Job 23:10) Believe that the Lord is doing a work of restoration. Everything that has been lost or stolen, from you, from your family, or from our nation is being brought back. This work of restoration is so that we can function as as a Body made to partner with Him, not as independent, self-centered agents.
- Give thanks to the Lord and declare that He alone is the Just Judge, that He puts down one and raises another. God’s Word stands firm forever. (Psalm 75)
- Cry out for the Body of Christ to submit to the refining process of God. Repent for yourself and for the Body for compromising and agreeing with the enemy and doubting the plans and purposes of our Father. Ask the Lord to do a cleansing and purifying work in us. (Psalm 24:3-6, Col 2:11)
- Pray that as the Lord reveals things that are no longer useful to us, that we will willingly lay them down and pick up the new tools, new revelation, new connections that He is bringing to us. Do not fear loss, but embrace the change knowing that the Father’s heart is for you. (Eph 4:24)