Click here for a guide to reflecting on the book of Zechariah.
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Throughout the book of Zechariah, we see a recurring theme of return—God’s people coming back to Jerusalem after exile. It should have been a moment of celebration, yet the reality was far more complicated. The people were weary. The city was defenseless. The work of rebuilding felt overwhelming, and discouragement lingered everywhere.
It is into this fragile moment that Zechariah delivers a startling promise: a Branch is coming. God instructs him to take silver and gold from the returning exiles, fashion a crown, and place it on Joshua, the son of the high priest. Then he is to declare that a Branch will rise from this place—one who will unite two roles never meant to be joined: priest and king. Not since Melchizedek had anyone held both offices.
This Branch would come from small beginnings. He would rebuild the temple and rule from a throne. He would draw people from near and far into God’s redemptive plan—for the good of His people and the glory of God. Isaiah gives us language for who this ruler would be: one upon whom the Spirit of the Lord would rest—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, counsel and might, knowledge and the fear of the Lord.
Can you imagine leadership shaped not just by authority, but by a pastoral heart? Rule guided by wisdom, justice, and reverence for God?
The crown was placed in the temple as a lasting reminder of the Branch who would come—Jesus. And the result of His reign would be shalom: the wholeness, peace, and flourishing of life as God intends it.
As we conclude this Advent series, remember this: God has always been about one thing—putting His glory on display. And He does so in predictably unpredictable ways.
So walk into the new year willing to lean into that truth. Resist the urge to control or script what God will do. Instead, watch for His glory—and trust that He is still at work.
Remember
God is always about one thing – putting His glory on display in predictably unpredictable ways.
