The Word for Today with Ray

Saturday, August 2, 2025

Prophets Ashamed of Their Vision - Zechariah 13:4

In the book of Zechariah, Zechariah said, “it shall come to pass, that when any shall yet prophesy, then his father and his mother that begat him shall say unto him, you shall not live; for you speak lies in the name of the LORD: and his father and his mother that begat him shall thrust him through when he prophesies”, and in chapter thirteen and verse four of Zechariah, Zechariah shared how Jehovah God said the prophets, “shall be ashamed every one of his vision” where we read,

And it shall come to pass in that day, that the prophets shall be ashamed every one of his vision,

when he has prophesied; neither shall they wear a rough garment to deceive:

The verse reads, “And it shall come to pass in that day, that the prophets shall be ashamed every one of his vision, when he has prophesied;” Zechariah began with the words, “and it shall come to pass” or “and the following shall happen and occur” “in that day” which means “within that time period or season”, “that the prophets shall be ashamed” or “that the spiritual spokesmen, speakers and inspired men will exist as disconcerted, disappointed and put to shame”, “every one of his vision” which means “each, all, the whole and everyone pertaining to his, the prophets, oracle, revelation and expectation by dream”, “when he has prophesied” or “at the time and moment he, the prophet, has spoken under influence of divine spirit”. Zechariah shared how the time would come that every one of the inspired people who spoke inspirational words would feel dishonor and guilt to claim their prophetic gift.

The verse goes on to say, “neither shall they wear a rough garment to deceive:” Zechariah continued with the words, “neither shall they wear” or “no and not in any manner will they, the prophets, adorn, put on or dress in” “a rough garment” which means “a hairy cloak made of fur or fine material” “to deceive” or “to lie, dissemble, deal falsely and feign obedience”. Zechariah shared how the “prophets” would no longer adorn hairy clothing made from fur to deal falsely with the people.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn through Zechariah how the “prophets” in this season would not only be “ashamed” to have prophetic gifts, but they would no longer attempt to deal falsely with people by wearing hairy clothing made of fur. In other words, there would come a time when no one would desire to be a prophet because pretending to be one would come to an end. God wants people to know the truth through His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind, and when we put our faith and trust in Him, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put within us a desire for the truth into which the Holy Spirit shall lead and guide us. (John 14:6; 16:13)

Next time Zechariah shares how Jehovah God says the prophets, “shall say, I am no prophet”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

Friday, August 1, 2025

Speaking Lies in the Name of the LORD - Zechariah 13:3

In the book of Zechariah, Zechariah said, “And it shall come to pass in that day, says 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”, and in chapter thirteen and verse three of Zechariah, Zechariah shared how Jehovah God said the prophets, “speak lies in the name of the LORD” where we read,

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, you shall not live; for you speak lies in the name of the LORD: and his father and his mother that begat him shall thrust him through when he prophesies.

The verse reads, “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, you shall not live;” Zechariah began with the words, “and it shall come to pass” or “and the following shall happen and occur”, “that when any shall yet prophesy” which means “that at the time and moment a person whether male or female will still speak by inspiration”, “then his father” or “at that time his, the prophet's, immediate male ancestor and progenitor”, “and his mother that begat him” which means “and his, the prophet's, immediate female ancestor and progenitor who birthed and brought forth the prophet”, “shall say unto him” or “will utter, declare and proclaim to him, the prophet”, “you shall not live” which means “you will in no way remain alive, sustain life, be quickened or restored to life again”. Zechariah shared how it would happen that at the time and moment a person whether male or female gave an inspirational speech, their “father and mother” would tell them they would not remain alive.

The verse continues, “for you speak lies in the name of the LORD: and his father and his mother that begat him shall thrust him through when he prophesies.” Zechariah added the words, “for you speak lies” or “because, since and on account that you, the prophet, utter, declare and proclaim vanity, falsehood and deceitfulness” “in the name of the LORD” which means “within the fame, reputation and glory belonging to Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name for the One True God”: “and his father” or “and his, the prophet's, male immediate ancestor and progenitor” “and his mother that begat him” which means “and his, the prophet's, immediate female ancestor and progenitor who birthed and brought forth the prophet” “shall thrust him through” or “will pierce, wound, revile and strike him, the prophet” “when he prophesies” which means “at the time and moment he, the prophet, speaks inspirationally under the influence of a divine spirit”. Zechariah shared how the “father and mother” of the “prophet” would accuse him of proclaiming falsehoods, and they will pierce him at the time he makes his proclamations.

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn through Zechariah how Jehovah God will not only rid the land of Israel of their “idols and images”, but also eliminate false prophets as well. God desires to rule and reign in our lives through His Son Jesus who died on the cross for our sins, and when we surrender to Him, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put within us a desire to speak according to His word, the Bible, and refute any false prophesy that is declared regardless of whether they are as close and father, mother or child within the world.

Next time Zechariah shares how Jehovah God says the prophets, “shall be ashamed every one of his vision”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Cutting Off the Names of Idols - Zechariah 13:2

In the book of Zechariah, Zechariah said, “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 in chapter thirteen and verse two of Zechariah, Zechariah shared how Jehovah God said, “I will cut off the names of the idols out of the land” where we read,

And it shall come to pass in that day, says 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.

The verse reads, “And it shall come to pass in that day, says the LORD of hosts, that I will cut off the names of the idols out of the land, ...” Zechariah began with the words, “and it shall come to pass” or “and the following shall happen and occur” “in that day” which means “within that time period or season”, “says the LORD of hosts” or “utters, declares and proclaims Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name for the One True God who is over the spiritual army of angels and warriors”, “that I will cut off the names” which means “that I, Jehovah God, shall eliminate, hew apart and destroy the fame, reputation and glory” “of the idols” or “belonging to the false images of worship” “out of the land”which means “from the country, district, region and territory”. Zechariah shared how Jehovah God who rules over the angel army would destroy the false images of worship from the country and territory.

The verse goes on to say, “... and they shall no more be remembered: and also I will cause the prophets and the unclean spirit to pass out of the land.” Zechariah continued with the words, “and they shall no more be remembered” or “and they, the idols, will in no way or manner be called to mind, brought to remembrance or thought of”: “and also I will cause the prophets” which means “and even so and indeed shall I, Jehovah God, make the spokesmen, speakers and inspired men” “and the unclean spirits” or “and the filthy and impure spiritual entities” “to pass out of the land” which means “to be alienated, carried away and vanished from the country, territory, region, district and world”. Zechariah shared how Jehovah God said the “false idols and images” would be thought about no more, and the filthy inspired people as well as the essence of them would be removed from the world.

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn through Zechariah how Jehovah God will remove false idols and images of worship from the world. God knows believing in His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of the whole world is the only way unto salvation and eternal life with Him, (See John 14:6) and only when we yield our lives to Him will we be forgiven of our sins, granted everlasting life and shown the vanity of worshiping “idols and images” that in no way are able to save anyone from their sins. Let all who read these words know and understand, God love us, and His Son Jesus would not have come to die on the cross for our sins if there was any other way to be saved. (See Matthew 26:39) We must come to God through Jesus, and when we do, all “idols and images” of worship shall be removed. (1 Thessalonians 1:9)

Next time Zechariah shares how Jehovah God says the prophets, “speak lies in the name of the LORD”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

A Fountain in the House of David - Zechariah 13:1

In the book of Zechariah, Zechariah shared how Jehovah God said of Israel after discovering that Jesus is His Son and Messiah, “All the families that remain, every family apart, and their wives apart” would mourn and grieve, and in chapter thirteen and verse one of Zechariah, Zechariah shared about, “a fountain open to the house of David” where we read,

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.

The verse reads, “In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David ...” Zechariah began with the words, “in that day” or “within that time period and season” “there shall be a fountain open” which means “there will exist a spring, source of life and purification let loose, thrown open and free” “to the house of David” or “toward the dwelling place, habitation and abode belonging to David whose name means blessed and was the youngest son of Jesse and the second king of Israel”. Zechariah shared how their would exist a spring of life and purification loosened toward the dwelling place which belongs to “David”.

The verse continues, “... and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness.” Zechariah added the words, “and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem” or “and to the dwellers, abiders and ones who make residence within Jerusalem whose name means teaching of peace and is the chief city of Palestine and capital of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split” “for sin” which means “on behalf of missing the mark, error and wrong” “and for uncleanness” or “and on behalf of impurity, filthiness, idolatry and immorality”. Zechariah shared how the spring of life and purification would exist on behalf of the error, wrongs and impurity of the people who live in “Jerusalem”.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn through Zechariah how God will create a means by which the people of “Jerusalem” may be cleansed from their sinful and impure ways. God knows we are sinners, (See Romans 3:10,23) and the wages for our sins is death. (See Romans 6:23) He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind, and when we put our faith and trust in Him as our personal “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and cleanse us from all unrighteousness so we may live in Heaven with Him forever. (See 1 John1:9) Let all who read these words receive the “fountain opened” to be forgiven and cleansed of their sinful ways. (See Hebrews 9:22)

Next time Zechariah shares how Jehovah God says, “I will cut off the names of the idols out of the land”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

All the Families that Remain - Zechariah 12:14

In the book of Zechariah, Zechariah shared how Jehovah God spoke concerning the mourning of the people of Israel, “the family of the house of Levi apart, and their wives apart; the family of Shimei apart, and their wives apart”, and in chapter twelve and verse fourteen of Zechariah, Zechariah shared how Jehovah God shared about, “all the families that remain”where we read,

All the families that remain, every family apart, and their wives apart.

The verse reads, “All the families that remain, ...” Zechariah began with the words, “all the families” or “each, every, the whole and everyone of the clans, tribes and people” “that remain” which means “who are left over, alive and as a remnant” will do the following. Zechariah shared how every people group who are left over as a remnant shall do the following.

The verse goes on to say, “... every family apart, and their wives apart.” Zechariah continued with the words, “every family apart” or “each, all, the whole and everyone of the clans, tribes and people, by themselves”, “and their wives apart” which means “and their, the families', female spouses, by themselves” . Zechariah shared how all the tribes and clans who remain along with their female spouses will mourn and grieve when they realize Jesus is the Messiah.

When we consider Zechariah's words in this verse, we discover how all people will grieve when they discover that the one whom they “pierced”, Jesus, is the Messiah and Christ of the world. Paul the apostle wrote, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God” (See Romans 14:11; Isaiah 45:23), and “that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth. And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (See Philippians 2:10-11) Jesus Christ was sent to the earth by His Heavenly Father God to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind, and when we believe and trust in Him as our personal “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put within us an appreciation and gratitude for His wonderful grace and salvation that shall remain for all eternity.

Next time we begin a new chapter and see Zechariah share about, “a fountain open to the house of David”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

The Families of Levi and Shimei - Zechariah 12:13

In the book of Zechariah, Zechariah shared how Jehovah God said, “In that day shall there be a great mourning in Jerusalem, as the mourning of Hadadrimmon in the valley of Megiddon. And the land shall mourn, every family apart; the family of the house of David apart, and their wives apart; the family of the house of Nathan apart, and their wives apart”, and in chapter twelve and verse thirteen of Zechariah, Zechariah shared how Jehovah God shared about, “the family of the house of Levi … and Shimei” where we read,

The family of the house of Levi apart, and their wives apart;

the family of Shimei apart, and their wives apart;

The verse reads, “The family of the house of Levi apart, and their wives apart;” Zechariah began with the words, “the family” or “the clan, tribe and people” “of the house of Levi apart” which means “belonging to the dwelling place, habitation and abode of Levi, whose name means joined to and was the third son of Jacob by Leah and progenitor of the tribe of Levites, by themselves”, “and their wives apart” or “and their, the house of Levi's, female spouses by themselves”. Zechariah shared how the people within the dwelling place of “Levi” and their female spouses would mourn by themselves.

The verse continues, “the family of Shimei apart, and their wives apart;” Zechariah added the words, “the family of Shimei apart” or “the clan, tribe and people belonging to Shimei whose name means renowned and was the descendants of Shimei or Shimi, by themselves”, “and their wives apart” which means “and their, the house of Shimei's, female spouses by themselves”. Zechariah shared how the people within the tribe of “Shimei” and their female spouses would also mourn by themselves.

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn through Zechariah about two more tribes of the people of Israel who will mourn by themselves after they discover God's Son Jesus is the Messiah and Christ. “Levi and Shimei” as well as their female spouses will all grieve by themselves. God sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind, and because He did not come as a “conquering King” on earth in His first ascension, the people of Israel did not believe in Him. This is the case with many people who consider Jesus but do not realize that He came to pay the price for the sins of everyone, and when we believe and trust in Him as our personal “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put within us an understanding through His Holy Spirit of the importance of His first visit on earth with an expectancy that will cause Israel and all the world to know Jesus is the Christ and Messiah of God.

Next time Zechariah shares how Jehovah God shares about, “all the families that remain”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…