The scriptures read are Zechariah 1-2, Psalm 134 and Mark 12.
Zechariah 1. Zechariah is a contemporary of Haggai but his mission goes beyond just getting the temple rebuilt. He talks of God rebuilding his people. (BTW he may be the person referred to in Ezra 5:1 and 6:14. His grandfather is mentioned in Nehemiah 12:4. So Zechariah was both a priest and a prophet.)
His first vision has 4 riders on 4 different colored horses. But otherwise they are not like the 4 horsemen of the apocalypse of John. They check out the world and report back to God that all is well.
Not sure of which 4 nations or powers are indicated here or exactly how the craftsmen, or blacksmiths as Peterson calls them, are supposed to stop them. But the basic message is that one of judgment on those who dispersed God's people to the 4 corners of the earth.
Zechariah 2. Jerusalem has to be measured because its walls are bursting at the seams with the returning exiles. God identifies with his people, coming home to Jerusalem. God will punish the godless nations that abused his people. And yet many of these nations will come to God and become part of his family.
Psalm 134. Enjoy this rousing Gospel version of this psalm!
Mark 12. For my reflections on this chapter, click here.
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