Act of Hope

Daily Devotional: Read Zechariah 6:9–15

Symbolic acts are an important part of everyday life. Some are so common we hardly notice them—a handshake, a hug, or a wave goodbye. Others occur at meaningful moments in our lives—a wedding ceremony, baptism, or placing flowers by a grave. They all communicate something deeper and more meaningful than the act itself.

Getting baptized...

Zechariah 6:9–15 includes a rich symbolic act. The Lord told Zechariah that a deputation of exiled Jews would arrive from Babylon bearing gifts (vv. 9–10). Zechariah was to take the silver and gold from these gifts and fashion two crowns (v. 11). The Hebrew word “crown” is plural although many translations render it as singular. These crowns were to be placed on the high priest, Joshua (v. 11). After the crowning, a prophetic pronouncement was to be made: “Here is the man whose name is the Branch, and he will branch out from his place and build the temple of the LORD” (v. 12).

This event was symbolic for two reasons. First, after the ceremony, the crown was to be removed from Joshua and placed in the Temple as a memorial (v. 14). It was not Joshua’s to keep. Second, the Temple that Zerubbabel started was already almost complete. Clearly, this act pointed forward to a future Davidic King. The two crowns represented the roles of priest and king, indicating that this future Messiah would unite the two offices. This future Messiah would build a new Temple fulfilling Old Testament prophecy (Ezek. 40–48). As in many other places, the Messianic figure was called the “Branch” (Isa. 4:2; 11:1; Jer. 23:5; 33:15).

This ceremony and the crown would serve as symbols for the Jewish people to look forward to a coming Messiah. When we take communion, we engage in a symbolic act that looks forward to Jesus’ return (1 Cor. 11:26).

Go Deeper

In addition to the Lord’s Supper, what symbols do we use in the church? Can you identify one or two and trace their meaning in Scripture?

Pray with Us

O Lord, thank You for traditions and rituals of the church that direct our focus to You. We praise You for the work You have done and anticipate the work You will do. Thank You for the hope these reminders bring to our daily lives.

Here is the man whose name is the Branch, and he will branch out from his place and build the temple of the LORD.

Zechariah 6:12

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