December 26, 2024
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 chapter 9 is a prophetic chapter that outlines how Jesus will arrive and bring deliverance for His people. This prophecy of Jesus was written about 500 years before His birth but is confirmed through His triumphal entry into Jerusalem in Matthew 21:5 and John 12:15. The imagery of a King riding into town on a lowly donkey does not provide one with the confidence that this King can defeat the enemy and bring deliverance for His people. However, Jesus is a King, unlike any earthly king. He is without fault or sin, has perfect wisdom and knowledge, and is one with the Father. Since Jesus is different from any earthly king, His entrance on a donkey fits his character. Jesus did not come to earth for fame, fortune, or recognition. He came to earth for one reason: to bring salvation to all who believe. Through His death and resurrection, we can find joy in a King, unlike any king or ruler we know today. Our King sits on a throne of perfect power and might and will never leave or have reason to abdicate His throne.
Jesus, we praise you for your character, as you knew the sacrifices you would need to make and the pain you would endure on the cross, yet you died for our sins anyway. Thank you for reminding us that you are a strong and powerful ruler sitting on the Throne in Heaven. Help us remember daily that you alone are the source of our joy, as you alone are the only one who could and did save us.