Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. Zechariah 9:9
I continue my study of the last four books of the OT (complete: Zephaniah, Haggai; to complete: Zechariah, Malachi) - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book. For today, my focus is an unassisted review of Zechariah 9:9-13, which the commentary outlines as the second of three divisions for the text 9:1-9:17 (9:1-8, 9-13, 14-17). Here the text builds on how the previous division ended (see post yesterday and day before that) with how God will offer protection to His people. In the first verse of the division today, we see one of the most well known messianic prophecies - how Jesus will arrive in Jerusalem on a donkey. Jesus is prophesied not as a conqueror but as a peacemaker (v10). He will also offer hope (v12). Of course we know this prophecy - written about 500 years before Jesus' birth - comes to pass. See also Matthew 21, Mark 11, and Luke 19. Despite how it was written how Jesus was to arrive in such a humble fashion, the Jewish leaders did not recognize Him as the Promised Messiah as they sought a conquering king. Yet ironically (and more importantly), ultimately Jesus does conquer - sin and death - and this is the victory we should all seek - not one from an earthly perspective that is political and temporary, but one that is supernatural and eternal. Jesus dies, rises again and He will return. We can take great comfort in knowing that the victory over sin and death is already won! Rejoice greatly indeed!
Comment and discuss this post.
My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who has conquered sin and death and who will return! The victory over sin and death is already won...and You are saving a place for me in Heaven - thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of my salvation. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
