I'm going to give this a shot. I'm currently right now very much in the "testing of spirits" so forgive me if I'm incorrect, or mistunderstanding the Spirit.
Today I was reading the last few chapters of Zechariah and I must admit that chapter 13, makes absolutely no sense to me at all.
Zechariah 13
In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness. And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the LORD of hosts, that I will cut off the names of the idols out of the land, and they shall no more be remembered: and also I will cause the prophets and the unclean spirit to pass out of the land.
There will be a means of cleansing opened to the Church (House of David) and to people of Jerusalem (as of yet, unconverted) for sin. When this happens, God cuts off off the names of the idols of the land (but not the idols themselves, only their "names") "and they shall no more be remembered"...They are no longer remembered as the idols they were (which dosen't mean they aren't still there, but now we've forgotten their names and yet they remain). I'm missing a piece of the puzzle with the last sentence here concerning the prophets and unclean spirit passing out of the land.
Actually...now that I think of it...which prophets? I almost gave up on this, but then remembered the "false prophet". So, then God may cause the "False prophets" and the unclean spirit to pass out of the land. Whew, thanks Father, I almost missed that one
This seems to be a negative reference to “prophets�… are these prophets in disobedience to God?
As I was saying above, it's possible that the "prophets" are the "False prophet" of revealation. God does not change so I have to keep in mind that when the Word puts "prophet" into a negative light, it could very well be referring to the false prophet.
And it shall come to pass, that when any shall yet prophesy, then his father and his mother that begat him shall say unto him, Thou shalt not live; for thou speakest lies in the name of the LORD: and his father and his mother that begat him shall thrust him through when he prophesieth. And it shall come to pass in that day, that the prophets shall be ashamed every one of his vision, when he hath prophesied; neither shall they wear a rough garment to deceive: But he shall say, I am no prophet, I am an husbandman; for man taught me to keep cattle from my youth.
"It will happen that when any one speaks the Word of Truth, his mother and father that begat him (the church that he was called out of) will say to him, "You will suffer eternal torment, because you believe something contrary to God". In that same day the false prophets shall be ashamed of the word that God has given them because they could not understand, and neither will they shame themselves in order to deceive, but they will instead say "I am no prophet, I am a false shepherd, for man (mankind, and church included) taught me to keep sheep from my youth. It's a matter of "their shepherds have led them astray". Huge pride issue with the "shepherd".
This passage (possibly out of context) resonates with the feelings I have had as of late to the truths I feel I have been allowed to uncover with the scriptures… not just from my literal parents, but from my “home church� and from my “friends�…
And one shall say unto him, What are these wounds in thine hands? Then he shall answer, Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends.
I'm feeling you here man Even the very people I love would crucify me. because they can't accept me. That's a part of the deal. I think the hardest part though is crucifying yourself...and that's what must be done I think although I could be wrong. I'm still young in this myself.
Is it the prophet now who has done wrong? Or those who have wounded him?
Both I think. The "prophet" is wrong, but thinks he is right. The ones who have wounded him also think they are right. Neither have the mind of Christ. Try to keep in mind that scripture is about Christ in you when reading this. Christ was showing us exactly how to reach God. It's your job to follow after him.
Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, saith the LORD of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones.
Strike down the leaders of my children and also the man that says that he follows me(the false shepherd). Smite the leader (flesh, carnality) and the followers of flesh and carnality will be scattered, and I will cover the denominations/sects of the church with my hand. I know this is all wonky, but I'm getting a sort of "cloudy" feeling here. I need help with this one. I know that the usual in interpretation is that Christ is saying that he is the shepherd that is smitten. I'm most likely not the best person to answer this, but I gave what I did in the thought that someone might have something to help me as well the original poster.
Is the shepherd the same as the “husbandman?� or “the prophet?�
I believe so. The Spirit will tell.
And it shall come to pass, that in all the land, saith the LORD, two parts therein shall be cut off and die; but the third shall be left therein.
And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God.
It will happen that in the church two parts will be cut off and die (from the Spirit) but the third shall be left therein (in the spirit). Many are called but few are chosen.
I will bring the chosen through the fire and will purify them. They will call on me and I will say these are mine...my elect. They will say "The LORD is my God". Keep in mind that's even after dealing with the Lake of Fire here and now as we speak and live.
These last two verses are far beyond me… can anyone help to shed light on any of this? I have much more to read…
I have come to understand in the last six months that understanding of the scriptures does not come from effort or willingness on my part, but it comes in the perfect time of God to those who He wills...
I also understand that I cannot compromise nor change the timing of His will being accomplished in me, I only ask these questions because my desire is to know the truth, and I often and "stumped" by the mysteries of THE WORD.
Oh believe me man, I completely understand. I've whined to God and to the person that led me to this site enough times that it's not coming quickly enough. You get a taste of the truth and get ravenous for more, but it dosen't work that way. If it did, who could possibly survive? Could anyone possilby deal with the lake of fire all at once? Not me, I'm only human. That's why you have to be patient. God will reveal to you what what you can handle a little at a time. To ask more is folly, because you won't be able to comprehend it and then you're back to the "false prophet". How better to teach patience than to make one wait? It's a hard lesson and one I am currently learning. The Lord knows I'm impatient, but I can only receive what is given.
Luk 21:19
In your patience possess ye your souls. Luk 8:15 But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart,
having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience. (KEEP the word after hearing it)
Rom 5:3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also:
knowing that tribulation worketh patience;(this is NO exception for you)
Rom 15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning,
that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.. Keep hope always, even when you're mislead.
Heb 6:12 That ye be not slothful, but
followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. You MUSt actively seek the truths of God. Follow those who go before you in faith and patience. Follow Christ.
Heb 10:36
For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. Once you've done the will of God in patience, you receive the "promise". I had a thought here, but I'm not sure if it's me or the Spirit on this, so I'll have to leave it alone for now.
Rev 14:12 :
here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.Here is the patience of the saints
The "saints" being the "elect" must have patience in order to be able to even keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus in the first place. You'll hear "In your patience possess ye your souls" alot. There is a reason for that. I know you want to know it all now. I do too. But be patient in the Lord, he will not give you what you cannot handle for a reason. Be faithful and follow Christ. That's what's most important.
By the way, if I am off base or somehow misleading here, please do correct me. I myself am only a child in Christ now and trying as best I can to understand.