Zechariah used the strangest illustration in today’s verse. What made it significant is that Israel had been prohibited to own horses (Deuteronomy 17:16), and those words were reserved for the engraved plate worn on the turban of the High Priest. So what was he saying? The prohibitions and separation required of Israel was to teach them what it meant to be holy. Certain things were sacred.

On that day there shall be inscribed on the bells of the horses, “Holy to the Lord.”

Zechariah 14:20

The New Testament relationship secured by Jesus with His Father for the believer elevates all of God’s creation to the sacred. Commentator F.B. Meyer says, “Consider the genius and inner heart of Christianity. Holiness to the Lord is working heartily and doing all to His glory.” He says it’s a life that deliberately obeys and serves Christ (I Corinthians 10:31) but remembers that “you cannot do all tasks to the glory of God unless you have mountains of transfiguring prayer.”

Set aside special time each day to pray for you, your family and the nation. Hear God’s call to the tasks He has for you…the work bell, school bell, or recreation bell. Respond with His grace and strength – realizing that on each bell you’ll find, “Holy to the Lord.”

Recommended Reading: Colossians 3:18-4:6