Diamond72
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Zechariah 13:9 is part of a prophetic passage in the book of Zechariah, and the verse is indeed a metaphorical description of refining and testing God's people. The context primarily pertains to a remnant of the people of Israel who will go through purification and testing, ultimately recognizing God as their own.The remnant from the corrupt shepherds in Israel? Why would you think that has any relation to the heirs of the kingdom?
Whom did Jesus promise the kingdom?
Have you been to Bible College? Because they do teach us how to apply the Bible and what we call the old testament to our lives today. There are rules for Bible interpretation. "Hermeneutical Principles" or "Hermeneutical Guidelines." Hermeneutics is the field of study that focuses on the theory and methodology of interpreting and understanding written texts, particularly ancient or religious texts like the Bible. These principles guide the process of interpreting and understanding the meaning of biblical passages in their historical, cultural, and linguistic contexts.
If you do not want to look this up I will copy it here.
The Old Testament holds significant relevance and application for Christians today, despite living under the New Covenant established through Jesus Christ. Here's how the Old Testament applies to Christians in the present day:
- Understanding God's Character and His Plan: The Old Testament reveals God's character, attributes, and His redemptive plan for humanity. It shows His faithfulness, justice, mercy, and love, providing a foundational understanding of who God is and how He interacts with His creation.
- Prophecies and Messianic Fulfillment: The Old Testament contains numerous prophecies concerning the Messiah (Christ), many of which were fulfilled in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Understanding these prophecies strengthens Christian faith and affirms Jesus as the long-awaited Savior.
- Moral and Ethical Guidance: The moral and ethical teachings found in the Old Testament are still relevant today. Principles such as love, justice, compassion, and integrity are emphasized and further expounded upon in the New Testament. The Old Testament provides a moral framework that aligns with Jesus' teachings.
- Examples of Faith and Obedience: The lives of individuals in the Old Testament, like Abraham, Moses, David, and many others, serve as examples of faith, obedience, and perseverance. Christians can draw inspiration from their stories and apply their faithfulness in their own journeys.
- Wisdom Literature: Books like Proverbs, Psalms, Ecclesiastes, and Job offer wisdom, guidance, comfort, and insights into navigating life's challenges, relationships, and spiritual growth.
- Historical and Cultural Understanding: Studying the historical and cultural context of the Old Testament helps Christians grasp the background of Jesus' teachings and the early Christian Church. It deepens the understanding of the biblical narratives.
- Acknowledging Sin and Redemption: The Old Testament showcases the reality of human sin and God's pursuit of reconciliation. It underscores the need for salvation, highlighting Jesus' role as the ultimate redeemer.
- Fulfillment of the Law and Prophecy: Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament law and prophecies, providing a bridge between the Old and New Covenants. His teachings build upon the foundational principles of the Old Testament while providing a new understanding of God's grace.
Zechariah 13:9 (NIV) says, "This third I will put into the fire; I will refine them like silver and test them like gold. They will call on my name and I will answer them; I will say, ‘They are my people,’ and they will say, ‘The LORD is our God.’”
While this verse originally addresses a specific context and the remnant of Israel, it holds broader spiritual principles that can be applied to Christians today:
- Spiritual Refinement and Testing: The imagery of refining silver and testing gold conveys the process of spiritual refinement. In our Christian journey, God allows us to go through trials and challenges to refine our faith, character, and dedication to Him. These trials, though difficult, ultimately strengthen and purify our relationship with God.
- Calling on God and His Response: The verse emphasizes calling on God's name, indicating the importance of prayer and communication with God. As believers, we are encouraged to seek God through prayer, and He promises to answer and acknowledge us as His own.
- Acknowledging God as Our Lord: Just as the verse emphasizes the people acknowledging the Lord as their God, we, too, are called to recognize God's sovereignty in our lives. We affirm our faith by acknowledging God as our Lord and committing ourselves to His ways.
- Identity as God's People: When we call on God and acknowledge Him, we affirm our identity as His people. We belong to God's family through faith in Jesus Christ, and this verse reminds us of our chosen and cherished status as His children.
- Applying God's Word: The process of refining and testing aligns with our journey of applying God's Word in our lives. The Bible acts as a refining fire, revealing truths, guiding our actions, and helping us navigate life's challenges.
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