Beloved in Christ, let us turn our hearts and minds to the profound words of the prophet Zechariah, as he speaks of a day known only to the Lord. In chapter 14, verse 7, we read: “It shall be one day which is known to the Lord—neither day nor night. But at evening time it shall happen that it will be light.” (NKJV)
These words, dear saints, are not mere poetic musings, but a divine promise that echoes through the corridors of time, finding its ultimate fulfillment in our Lord Jesus Christ and His glorious Church. As we delve into this sacred text, may our hearts be stirred, our faith strengthened, and our vision of God’s eternal plan made clearer.
The Prophetic Dawn of Zechariah’s Vision
In the twilight of the Old Testament era, when the people of God languished under foreign rule and spiritual darkness, the Lord raised up His servant Zechariah. Through this faithful prophet, God painted a vivid picture of a coming day—a day unlike any other, a day that would defy the natural order of things.
Consider, dear ones, the peculiarity of this prophetic day. It is neither day nor night, yet at evening time, there shall be light. This is no ordinary day governed by the rising and setting of the sun. No, this is a day known only to the Lord, a day that transcends our mortal understanding of time and space.
As we ponder these words, we are reminded of the Psalmist’s declaration: “For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness.” (Psalm 84:10, ESV) Indeed, this prophetic day speaks of a time when the very presence of God will illuminate His people, dispelling all darkness and ushering in an era of unending light.
The Twilight of the Old Covenant
Beloved, as we stand on this side of the cross, we can look back and see how Zechariah’s prophecy foreshadowed the transition from the Old Covenant to the New. The Old Testament, with its types and shadows, was but a dim reflection of the glory that was to come in Christ Jesus.
The apostle Paul, writing to the Corinthians, beautifully expresses this truth: “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” (2 Corinthians 4:6, ESV)
As the sun of the Old Covenant began to set, the brilliance of Christ, our Evening Light, began to dawn. The misty fogs that had long concealed the fullness of God’s plan were now dissipating, revealing the matchless beauty of His salvation in Christ.
Christ, Our Evening Light
Oh, what a glorious truth we find in our Lord Jesus Christ! He is the fulfillment of Zechariah’s prophecy, the very embodiment of that divine light that shines in the evening. Did He not declare, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life”? (John 8:12, ESV)
In Christ, we find the perfect manifestation of God’s light. He came into a world shrouded in the darkness of sin and death, and through His life, death, and resurrection, He ushered in a new day—a day of salvation, a day of hope, a day of eternal light.
As the hymn so beautifully proclaims:
“Brighter days are sweetly dawning,
Oh, the glory looms in sight!
For the cloudy day is waning,
And the evening shall be light.”
Indeed, in Christ, we have entered into this prophetic evening time. The cloudy day of sin and separation from God is waning, and the light of His presence grows ever brighter in our hearts and in His Church.
The Church Adorned in Radiant Glory
Beloved, let us now turn our attention to the glorious Church of God, purchased by the blood of Christ and adorned with His righteousness. We, the redeemed of the Lord, are called to reflect His light in this dark world.
The apostle Peter reminds us of our high calling: “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” (1 Peter 2:9, ESV)
As we walk in the Evening Light of Christ, we find ourselves transformed. No longer are we bound by the chains of sin and death. No, we are free—free to worship God in spirit and in truth, free to live lives that glorify Him.
Listen to the joyous strains of our hymn:
“Free from Babel, in the Spirit,
Free to worship God aright,
Joy and gladness we’re receiving,
Oh, how sweet this Evening Light.”
This freedom, dear saints, is not a license for lawlessness, but rather the liberty to live as God always intended—in perfect harmony with His will, reflecting His character, and basking in His love.
As the Church of God, we are called to be a city set on a hill, a beacon of hope in a world still grappling with darkness. Our lives, individually and corporately, should testify to the transforming power of the Evening Light. We are to be, as Paul says, “children of light” (Ephesians 5:8), walking in love, goodness, righteousness, and truth.
Our Eternal Day in God’s Presence
Beloved, as we draw near to the conclusion of our reflection, let us lift our eyes to the glorious future that awaits us. Zechariah’s prophecy, while finding partial fulfillment in Christ’s first coming and the establishment of His Church, points ultimately to that day when we shall dwell in God’s presence for all eternity.
The apostle John, in his Revelation, gives us a glimpse of this eternal day: “And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.” (Revelation 22:5, ESV)
Oh, what a day that will be! A day without end, a day of perfect communion with our Lord, a day when the Evening Light will shine in its full splendor, never to be dimmed or obscured again.
As we anticipate this glorious future, let us join our voices with the saints of all ages, singing:
“Hallelujah! Saints are singing,
Vict’ry in Jehovah’s might;
Glory! glory! keep it ringing,
We are saved in Evening Light.”
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, as we reflect on Zechariah’s profound prophecy and its fulfillment in our Lord Jesus Christ, let us be filled with hope and joy. We stand in the Evening Light, that blessed time when the glory of God is being revealed with ever-increasing brightness.
Let us, therefore, walk worthy of our calling. Let us shine as lights in this world, pointing others to the source of true light—our Lord Jesus Christ. Let us press on toward that eternal day when we shall see Him face to face, and bask in the unending radiance of His presence.
May the words of our hymn be our constant prayer and declaration:
“Oh, what golden glory streaming!
Purer light is coming fast;
Now in Christ we’ve found a freedom
Which eternally shall last.”
Amen and Amen. May the Evening Light of Christ shine ever brighter in your hearts, illuminating your path, and drawing you ever closer to Him. Until that day when we stand together in the full light of His eternal presence, may His grace, love, and peace be with you all.
