Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. (Zechariah 9:9 NIV)
Through Zechariah, God prepared the world for Jesus. The prophet explained that the coming king would not show up as an overbearing conqueror. He would gently demonstrate love and compassion. Righteousness would characterize his person and his reign. It was the custom of the day for a king coming for battle to ride on a war stallion. One coming in peace rode on a donkey.
Five hundred years after Zechariah's prophecy, Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. Many welcomed him by shouting, "Hosanna to the Son of David!" "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Hosanna in the highest!" The large crowd spread their cloaks out on the road. Others cut branches from trees and spread them before Jesus, but by the end of that week the fickle crowd was shouting, "Crucify him!"
The people wanted a powerful king to deliver them from the rule of Rome. Jesus came as a servant to deliver them from the rule of sin. They wanted a king to reign. Jesus came to die. They wanted a national revolt. Jesus came to bring spiritual peace between a holy God and sinful man. In the busyness of this Christmas season, slow down and thank God that Jesus is our peace.
Lord Jesus, my Christmas has become about lists. Lists of things I want, need to buy, and need to do. My prayers are often about lists as well. Like the people who greeted you as you rode into Jerusalem, I want you to do certain things for me. Help me to desire your peace instead of presents and possessions. In your name I pray. Amen.
The Holy Holidays - goTandem---
"My Disciples" - goTandem
Jesus said to the people who believed in him, "You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (John 8:31-32)
Is remaining faithful an active or a passive endeavor?
When have you experienced the truth setting you free?
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"A Spirit of Power" - goTandem
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. (2 Timothy 1:7)
What does the word 'spirit' mean here?
Which seems most helpful to you right now: power, love or self-discipline?
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