King of Kings

On May 19, 1790, New England experienced a remarkable “day of darkness.” The day began cloudy and cool with light rain. However, as the day progressed the sky grew darker so that by midday, the sun could not be seen at all. Many people feared that the day of judgment had come.

It is easy to see why, given today’s passage which describes the day of the Lord as one where “there will be neither sunlight nor cold, frosty darkness” (v. 6). According to verse 7 the day of Christ’s return will be a “unique day—a day known only to the Lord.” Cosmic changes will make this day one of a kind. Jesus spoke of that day as one in which “the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken” (Matt. 24:29).

Not only will the return of Christ bring judgment on God’s enemies, but it will also usher in a new creation. Living water will flow out from Jerusalem (v. 8). This picture corresponds to the one we find in the book of Revelation which depicts the river of the water of life flowing from the throne of God. The river will be spanned on each side by the tree of life (Rev. 22:1–2). Zechariah doesn’t mention the throne but rather the one who sits upon it. “The Lord will be king over the whole earth” (v. 9).

At that time Jesus will not rule alone. He promised the disciples, “Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel” (Matt. 19:28).

Pray with Us

Concluding our prayer time for the digital Marketing team, please include Jacob Rositano, Kiel Russell, and Ryan Smith in your time with God today. Thank the Lord for their service every time you see an email or a social media post from Moody.

BY Dr. John Koessler

John Koessler is Professor Emeritus of Applied Theology and Church Ministries at Moody Bible Institute. John authors the “Practical Theology” column for Today in the Word of which he is also a contributing writer and theological editor. An award-winning author, John’s newest title is When God is Silent: Let the Bible Teach You to Pray (Kirkdale). Prior to joining the Moody faculty, he served as a pastor of Valley Chapel in Green Valley, Illinois, for nine years. He and his wife, Jane, now enjoy living in a lakeside town in Michigan.