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
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Good News Broadcasting Society
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