Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Z is for Zerubbabel: The Mark of the “Z”


Zerubbabel
The Mark of the “Z”

When I was a boy one of my favorite heroes was Zorro, the legendary nobleman with black mask and flashing sword who eased the oppression of the alcalde on the peasants in old California.  He came out of nowhere and left behind only thankful people and the mark of the “Z.”

Name: “Offspring of Babylon”

Date: 6th Century BC

Identification:  Son of Shealtiel, he led the return to Jerusalem; built Second Temple

Story Line:  Zerubbabel work was not spectacular, not appreciated

Read in the Bible:  Ezra 3:1-12; Haggai 2:1-23



The Bible has its own Zorro who came out of nowhere and left his mark on thankful people.  His name also begins with a “Z”—Zerubbabel.  Born the son of Shealtiel in Babylonian Captivity, he was the grandson of Jehoiachin, the captive king of Judah (1 Chronicles 3:17-19).  That means Zerubbabel was a descendant of David and ancestor of Jesus.  But in Babylon, his stature was diminished to captive.  Diminished, that is, until Cyrus allowed the Jews to return to their homeland and rebuild their temple.


Suddenly the people needed a leader, a hero, someone who could leave the mark of the “Z”, if you will. 


Zerubbabel rose to the challenge.  He led the first group of captives back to Jerusalem and began rebuilding the temple on the site of Solomon’s temple.  When the work was finally finished.  Zerubbabel’s temple was dedicated with a great celebration that climaxed with the observance of the Passover (Ezra 6:19).


Zerubbabel came out of nowhere, but served tirelessly and faithfully.  God had a special “well done” for Zerubbabel.  He said, I will “make you like a signet ring, for I have chosen you” (Haggai 2:23).  If you are living in “nowhere,” be encouraged.  God may call you out of nowhere to do more than you could ever dream.  So be ready.   It could happen today.


By Dr. Woodrow Kroll
Source:
Confident Living Magazine
Back to the Bible International
Good News Broadcasting Society

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