Pastor Marshall Ochs | October 19, 2025
In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Zechariah 5-6. In these visions, God reveals His serious stance against sin, showing wickedness will be confronted and removed. The visions also point to a cosmic struggle between rival temples and the ultimate message of Jesus — a priest and king who will build a new temple and unite all people. The key takeaway from Zechariah's experiences is the call to "lift your eyes" and recognize God's active work in the world, encouraging believers to shift their focus from earthly distractions to God's divine plan.
Watch
Listen
Reflect
Lessons from Zechariah’s Visions
Through Zechariah’s visions 6-8, we discover important teachings about sin and the impact it has on our lives. These visions remind us of the seriousness with which God views sin and the necessity for His people to approach it with the same gravity.
Examining Our Lives for Sin
God takes sin very seriously, and as His people, we are called to do the same. It is essential to regularly take inventory of our lives. Are there patterns or evidence of habitual sin present in your life? This self-examination helps us recognize areas where we may be falling short and calls us toward repentance.
The Consequences of Sinful Choices
Any continual willful sin is cursed. When we make sinful choices, we inevitably experience consequences as a result. Reflecting on your life, consider the ways in which your choices have led to hardships or difficulties, serving as reminders of the seriousness of sin.
Christ: The Standard for Measuring Sin
Christ serves as our standard—or plum line—by which we measure sin. It is not those around us who set the benchmark, but Jesus Himself. Even the sins we commit in secret will eventually be exposed and cast out. Ask yourself: Are there “secret sins” I have been hiding from others that need to be confessed and repented of before the Lord?
Worship and Desire
True worship is not only demonstrated in public but is rooted in the heart. We should reflect on who or what we truly worship. Are you wholeheartedly following Christ, or do you find yourself worshiping or longing after the things of this world? This question challenges us to evaluate our deepest desires and allegiances.
The Incompatibility of Sin and God’s Presence
The Lord cannot cohabitate with sin. When God enters our lives, sin must flee. Therefore, if we are willing to fully surrender our will and desires to Him, we cannot continue living a life marked by sin. Are you ready to let go of worldly desires and devote yourself entirely to God?
Looking Up to See God’s Plan
Just as Zechariah lifted his eyes to see the visions God revealed, we too must look up to perceive God’s plan for our lives. It is easy to look down at the things of this world and become distracted and entangled by them. However, we are encouraged to look up and rise above these distractions.