Audio Sermons

Building Up the Church of Christ:

The Apple of His Eye

Life B-P Church Worship Services I & II

25^th February 2024

Text: Zechariah 2:1-13

1. Introduction

1.1.      Zechariah was a prophet raised by God to encourage the people who had returned from the exile led by Zerubbabel to rebuild the house of God.  Zechariah’s ministry exceeded Haggai’s as his prophetic messages have an eschatological complex.

1.2. The Lord gave Zechariah eight visions: (i) the horseman among the myrtle trees (1:7-17); (ii) the four horns and four carpenters (1:18-21); (iii) the man with the measuring line (2:1-13); (iv) Joshua the high priest (3:1-10); (v) the golden lampstand and the two olive trees (4:1-14); (vi) the flying scroll (5:1-4); (vii) the woman in the basket (5:5-11); and (viii) the four chariots (6:1-8).

2. God’s Plan

2.1. The Vision: the man with a measuring line called to measure Jerusalem (2:1-2).  The plumbline / measuring line is used in construction to ensure that the construction is build according to the specification of the architect.

2.2. The Analogy of the Plumbline as a Sign of God’s Judgment:

i. 2Kings: God extended the judgment of the house of Ahab to the wicked king Manasseh (2Kings 21:12-13).

ii. Amos: God has used the plumbline to measure the people and find them wanting (Amos 7:7-8).

iii. Isaiah: God will judge His people as they had veered off the plumbline (Isa. 28:17).

2.3. The Analogy of the Measuring Line as a Sign of God’s Blessing:

i. Ezekiel: Ezekiel was given the vision of the future Jerusalem and the temple of God where a measuring line is used to measure out the temple (Ezek. 40:2-4); and with eight chapters describing its measurements. This depicts the prosperity of the Millennial Temple.

ii. Revelation: John was given the vision where he was called to measure the temple of God with a reed (Rev. 11:1) and an angel with a golden reed to measure the New Jerusalem (Rev. 21:15). This depicts the eternal blessings of God to those who have believed in Him and who will dwell with Him in New Jerusalem.

2.4. The Meaning in Zechariah: God revealed His good plan of blessings (not judgment) upon Jerusalem (Jer. 27:11-14).  This was a message beyond its time as Jerusalem was laid waste at that time.  The people must possess faith in God and His Word in order to see it (Heb. 11:1; 6).

3. God’s Protection

3.1. The Walls: great cities often have a mighty wall as protection (e.g. Jericho, Great Wall of China).  However, this city would be without walls as a means of protection for God shall be a wall of fire around it (Zech. 2:4-5).

3.2. Apple of His Eye: The city would be so prosperous that the walls could not contain it nor protect it.  God promises that He will be their protection and no one can touch it unless permitted by God as it is the apple of His eye (Zech. 2:8).

3.3. The Lesson on Nation Israel:

1. Past and Present: Israel has gone through a lot of wars and affliction (and will continue to do so) without ever securing peace simply because they had killed the Prince of Peace who could offer them peace (Matt. 27:24-25). They are reaping what they had sown.
2. Future: In the End Times, the Antichrist will promise them a false peace and then eventually turn this peace into persecution (the Great Tribulation). True peace can only come when they return in repentance unto the Messiah. The Messiah will destroy the wicked and deliver them, and usher them into the millennial kingdom of peace.

3.4. Apply: God cares for His people because we are precious in His sight.

1. God’s Promise: God promises that He will protect His people and preserve them in peace. God opened the eyes of the servant of Elisha to enable him to see the protection which He has enveloped Elisha (2Kings 6:16-17).
2. God’s Presence: God’s promised presence will help us have the assurance and to overcome our fears (Ps. 23:4). The more we fear, the more we need to trust God (Ps. 56:3-4).

3.5. Closing:

1. Ponder: “How can I fear? Jesus is near. He ever watches over me.  Worries all cease; He gives me peace.  How can I fear with Jesus?” (Ron Hamilton).
2. Prayer: “Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings” (Ps. 17:8).