SCRIPTURE: Zechariah 9
OBSERVATION:
For many years the nation of Israel was battered and beaten, exiled and defeated by the surrounding nations. But things are about to change. Their enemies will be defeated by the Lord, and He will come in person (i.e. the messiah) and proclaim peace and restore order. The weak will be strengthened, the imprisoned will be set free, and the people will once more be blessed. All this will begin when the messiah, ‘gentle and riding on a donkey’ defeats the powers of Satan, sin, death and hell. And His rule will extend from sea to sea and to the ends of the earth. And those who put their hope in Him ‘will sparkle in His land like jewels in a crown.’
APPLICATION:
Jesus is the fulfillment of this vision. I am one of those set free, called to rejoice greatly and shout! Can I appreciate what an amazing act of grace God’s salvation and forgiveness is? Like Israel, I am an unworthy sinner, often more focused on me than on God or others. But now I am free and alive, secure in His love, for now and forever. I am not living in complete victory yet, but with the Spirit’s help, I can also sparkle in His land like a jewel in His crown.
Does my life sparkle? Am I an attractive witness for Jesus, for what He has done, and for all that we have in Him? This passage is intended to encourage me to keep on believing, trusting that what the Lord has begun on the cross will be completed. Do I live differently, as if I am forgiven, saved, free and at peace with God?
PRAYER:
Lord, often my life is so far from what it ought to be. Instead of sparkling, I sputter. Lord, strengthen me within by Your Spirit that I may shine for You!
The Word of the Lord is for all. Those who go their own way He will cut off and bring destruction. Their hope will be cut off and they will wither away. But as always, the Lord returns to His people and will defend His house. He keeps watch over His people and His rule will extend from sea to sea. They will sparkle like jewels on His crown. How beautiful will His people be.
Help me to be attractive for the gospel Lord. Make all Your people like sparkling jewels in Your crown so that the whole world may know that the world and everything in it belongs to You. May your people be like a flock, listening to the voice of their Master and following Your Word instead of going their own way.
Help me to shine for You this day Lord in all I do and say. Help me to walk in Your Way – to be like Jesus – a Jesus follower.
Crown Him with many crowns, the Lamb upon His throne.
Hark! How the heavenly anthem drowns all music but its own.
Awake, my soul, and sing of Him who died for thee,
And hail Him as thy matchless King through all eternity.