Read Zechariah 14.
In the last days, pressure upon Israel will be unprecedented. It will not be merely one nation that will come against them, it will be a world-wide coalition. Verse two explains that the LORD "will gather all the nations against Jerusalem." Things will get a lot worse before they get better. The armies will converge at Armageddon and the Jews experience up to 50% in losses.
As the prophecy of Zechariah concludes, the Holy Spirit had him write down no less than a dozen items that will characterize "that day."
1. Jesus will appear to fight for Israel. (v.3)
The Apostle John described even more of the prophetic scene. "Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war." (Revelation 19:11). He will not be alone-"...and all the holy ones with him" (v.5). The army of heaven will be with Him, along "with all his saints" (1 Thessalonians 3:13).
2. Jesus will stand on the Mount of Olives. (v.4)
This is the very place where He ascended into heaven after the resurrection. At that time, angels appeared to declare, "This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven." (Acts 1:9-12) His return will be earthly, visible, personal, and powerful!
3. Jesus will split the Mount of Olives. (v.4)
This division will create a new valley and, apparently, be used to aid the Jews in escaping the battle.
4. Jesus will demonstrate His control of the universe. (vv.6-7)
It will be a very strange day as far as the environment is concerned with supernatural wonders. Jesus, the Creator, in the beginning said, "Let there be light." Therefore, it is not unusual that all the elements of His creation are at His command. (Colossians 1:16-17)
5. Jesus will provide "living water." (v.8)
Water will flow from Jerusalem in two directions, east and west. It will provide year around nourishment for agricultural production the world has never seen. Other prophecies indicate that there may be medicinal properties in the water, as well.
6. Jesus will reign as king over all the earth. (v.9)
On that day, He will be universally recognized and as the Kings of kings and LORD of lords.
7. Jesus will change the topography of the land. (v.10)
Israel's land will be flattened, except for Jerusalem. The city with the new Temple will be an even more exalted location.
8. Jesus will end all threats against Jerusalem. (v.11)
After centuries of persecution culminating with Armageddon, the Prince of Peace will rule. No longer will Israel suffer threats of annihilation.
9. Jesus will destroy all the enemies. (vv.12-15)
Those who have come to do battle against the Jews will find themselves destroyed by panic and by plague.
10. Jesus will give the spoils of the war to Israel. (v.14)
The world's wealth that resourced the war against the Jews will then provide for their abundance.
11. Jesus will be worshiped. (v.16)
Even Gentiles families will come to bow before Christ.
12. Jesus will be treated with honor everywhere. (vv.20-21)
"Holy to the LORD" will not be limited to worship at the Temple. He will be honored everywhere and in everything.
For us today, the Apostle Peter admonished believers in Jesus to "...honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect." (1 Peter 3:15)
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