Zechariah Sermon Series: Sermon 37
6-8-25 – Jerry Mongello
Zechariah 13 Part 4: Refined Through the Fire
Introduction and Recap
We began last time by studying Zechariah 13:7, which speaks of the first advent of the Messiah, the crucifixion, and the scattering of the sheep. This prophecy reveals Christ as “the Man who is My Companion,” equal with the Father, struck by the sword of judgment. The scattering represents the disciples and, more broadly, the Jewish people.
Zechariah 13:7 NKJV “Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, Against the Man who is My Companion,” Says the LORD of hosts. “Strike the Shepherd, And the sheep will be scattered; Then I will turn My hand against the little ones.”
This leads into today’s verses, Zechariah 13:8–9, which offer both sobering judgment and profound hope.
Zechariah 13:8–9 — The Refined Remnant
Zechariah 13:8-9 NKJV “And it shall come to pass in all the land,” Says the LORD, “That two-thirds in it shall be cut off and die, But one-third shall be left in it: I will bring the one-third through the fire, Will refine them as silver is refined, And test them as gold is tested. They will call on My name, And I will answer them. I will say, ‘This is My people’; And each one will say, ‘The LORD is my God.'”
Some believe these verses refer to the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70. But verse 9 indicates that the people call on the name of the Lord—something that has not fully occurred yet. Instead, this likely refers to the Great Tribulation and the Second Coming of Christ.
Supporting scriptures include:
- Jeremiah 30:7 – The time of Jacob’s trouble.
- Daniel 9:27 – The covenant and desolation.
- Matthew 24:21–22 – Jesus’ prophecy of great tribulation.
- Ezekiel 5:1–17 – A dramatic portrayal of judgment and remnant.
God allows one-third to be refined, symbolizing a faithful remnant preserved through fire.
God’s Faithful Remnant Throughout Scripture
The pattern of divine judgment followed by the preservation of a remnant is seen throughout Scripture:
- Zechariah 12:10 — The remnant looks on the One they pierced.
- Zechariah 14:2 — Nations gathered against Jerusalem, but a remnant survives.
- Isaiah 1:9; 10:20–21 — The LORD preserves a remnant.
- Amos 9:8–9 — God sifts Israel but preserves every grain.
- Romans 11:25–27 — A mystery revealed: all Israel will be saved.
Zechariah’s message gives the Jewish people hope: through fire and scattering, God will restore and sanctify.
Refinement for Us Today
What does this mean for us?
Just as silver and gold are refined in fire, God allows trials in our lives to purify and sanctify us.
John 16:33 — “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
The refining fire removes impurities, shaping us into people who reflect Christ’s character. This process makes us stronger, more resilient, and more faithful.
Encouraging Examples:
- Daniel 3:14–25 – God walked with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego in the fire.
- Romans 8:28–39 – Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.
Conclusion
Zechariah 13:8–9 offers both a warning and a promise: judgment will come, but so will restoration. The faithful remnant will be refined, sanctified, and restored.
Through all the suffering, trials, and tribulations we face, God is shaping us. He is producing in us the image of His Son. And in the end, He will say, “This is My people,” and we will respond, “The LORD is my God.”
Let this passage strengthen your hope: you are being refined for glory.
Stay tuned for next week as we begin to explore Zechariah 14 and the climactic events surrounding the return of the Messiah.
Key Verse:
Zechariah 13:9 – “They will call on My name, And I will answer them. I will say, ‘This is My people’; And each one will say, ‘The LORD is my God.'”
