Burdens to Blessings

O. T. #2306   "Burdens to Blessings"

Oct. 24, 2022

Zechariah 9-Part 2

Rejoice greatly, O people of Zion! Shout in triumph, O people of Jerusalem! Look, your King is coming to you. He is righteous and victorious, yet He is humble, riding on a donkey-riding on a donkey's colt. (verse 9, NLT)

LET IT GLOW

We have had a few presidents/potential presidents come to our local airports down through the years. I didn't attend those arrivals, because of the large crowds. However, we knew they were present because of the security planes flying over, roadblocks on the entrance, and news coverage. One day a King entered a city, but humbly on a donkey. Read on for the contrast.  

Israel had enemies in all directions, always had down through the ages, and always will, until the Messiah returns to reign as King. The first 9 verses of chapter 9 describe the judgment coming to them (at that time): cities were stripped of possessions, fire burned them to the ground, fall with fear and terror, hopes dashed, kings killed, deserted, pride destroyed.

The cities of the Philistines are mentioned in verses 5-8, enemies of God's people in David's time. In spite of God's judgment on the Philistines, He promised that they, too, would become a remnant for our God, worshiping Him instead of idols, becoming like a clan in Judah, joining the Jews as the Jebusites once did. (verse 7) 

What is good news in all of this? Read verse 9. Obviously, Alexander the Great was not the king describes there, but He is Jesus Christ.  He rode into Jerusalem on a colt of a donkey, humbled. (Kings rode white horses previously.) This happened before Jesus was crucified as an atoning substitute for sinners and rose from the dead. (Matthew 21:1-11) He will again enter Jerusalem, but this time as a triumphant King to establish His kingdom. (Tony Evans)

 One day there will be a vast number from every nation, tribe, people, and language worshipping the Lamb. (Rev. 7:9)

Are you ready, my friend? In the blink of an eye Jesus will appear for all to see and worship Him. Are your family members ready? You can be if you know Jesus as your personal Savior. Believe in your heart Jesus is God's Son, ask His forgiveness of your sins, Confess Him before others.

LET IT GROW

Between verses 9 and 10, lies nearly 2,000 years of the church, the age of grace, completely unforeseen by the prophet. (Falwell)

Zechariah is telling of the two comings of the Messiah together. At the second coming, Ephraim, the 10 northern lost tribes will be united with the 2 southern tribes. Jesus will speak peace, according to verse 10, His dominion will be from sea to sea, from rivers to the ends of the earth. 

This concludes the second message or subject of the burden to blessings upon Israel. Are we looking up for our Redemption to draw nigh? 

LET IT GO

Jesus, Your name is power, breath, and living water; Your Spirit guides us to the heart of the Father. We sing praise to our King, give thanks, and honor You above all things.

Thank You Jesus, for not giving in, giving up, endured the beatings and temptations of sin and the devil, leaving the heavy cross to avoid pain all for us, because You love us.