I pray you well. Whatever we face; may we rejoice; being steadfast in the knowledge that God keeps Promises, so we have a living Hope. Please receive today’s Holy Nougat
“Rejoice greatly, daughter of Zion! Shout, daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you, a righteous one bringing salvation. He is lowly, riding on a donkey— on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” Zechariah 9:9 TLV
Among most Christian and Jewish circles is the consensus that Zion is another name for Jerusalem, and also the city of God in which the Messiah shall appear. It is borne out in the nougat with the prophetic reference that defines the text and is reiterated as fulfilled in Matthew 21:5.
Zachariah is very clear about what happens when the Messiah arrived. The act of coronation / inauguration is somewhat countercultural; as the Savior (ie the Messiah) did not appear with any accoutrements of War, but Peace. This was not the norm in those days, for one displayed one’s might to further inspire confidence of one’s legitimacy as ruler. A war horse or a high horse, yes; but not a colt.
Further, there is no mention of the king being publicly anointed, as was normal then. Yet, the king is described as righteous Savior, humble and lowly. Can you imagine hearing this as a word of encouragement during exile – a hero is coming; a humble hero who is righteous and lowly; and that king of Peace will be your Savior? It doesn’t really add up. Not at all.
That was the promise then, it was fulfilled and continues to be The Promise now for us inhabitants of the ‘New Jerusalem’ – amidst whatever we face; Rejoice! For our Sovereign, the king of Salem (peace) is coming to rescue us from our distress. Look, wait patiently! For he is also Righteous, arriving with humility, enthroned in Peace!
