Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 Hosanna: ‘Lord save us’

  Zech 9:9-17
Zachariah: 9:9 – “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem!
Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, Lowly and riding on a donkey, a colt, the foal of a donkey.

Zachariah (meaning, Yahweh remembered) was the prophet of Israel in the post-Babylonian exile period. The book of Zachariah contains a concise description of the Lord God’s determination regarding humanity in relation to Israel, his chosen nation. The centerpiece of Zachariah’s prophecy is the entry of the promised Messiah into Jerusalem thru the city gate at the appointed time (Daniel 9:24-25). Ever since the Babylonian captivity, the Jewish nation was ardently waiting for the Messiah to free them from the shackles of bondage. Even after their return to Jerusalem, Israel did not come out of its depression and misery. Zachariah appears in such a background as God’s prophet to cheer and comfort them by announcing the advent of the Messiah they were anxiously waiting for.  
    It is a curious fact that God frequently uses people and animals contrary to human wisdom. Moses was His chosen vessel to lead Israel out of Egypt even though he had a speech impediment. Here, God is using a donkey to be the vehicle to carry the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Jesus Christ. When we study the habits of a donkey in-depth, we can see that it is an intelligent and humble animal. It is very protective, stoic, and emotional. It is one animal that talked as described in the Bible and saved Baalam’s life (Numbers 22:30-31).
    The King coming to Jerusalem is righteous and gentle. He is also the Savior of humanity. When Jesus was brought to the temple for the first time as a baby, Simon, prompted by the Holy Spirit, declared that Jesus was the Salvation of God. (Luke 2:30-31). Jesus chose a donkey to be his vehicle to enter thru the city gates. The question before the faith community is “Are we ready to be a donkey to carry our Savior thru the city gates and present Him before the public?
    The triumphant entry into the City of Jerusalem foreshadows the ‘Second Coming of the Lord. He is coming to the earth for a second time to establish His righteous Kingdom over the whole world. The prophecy of Zachariah and its fulfillment in 33 AD is only a harbinger of the real flamboyant entry of the Lord thru the city gates for yet another time in the future. The books of Zachariah, as well as Revelation, depict the consuming details of the end-time events.
    The present-day events challenge the faith community to transform our nature of professing Christ in the public. We must genuinely imitate the righteousness and gentleness of the Savior. When He is selecting the ones to serve Him, how do we appear in His sight? Do we possess the qualities of His followers? 
    We should not forget that He is a just King. When He comes for the second time, He is going to judge the world. But as His followers, we have found grace in His sight. Therefore, we do not have to face judgment. However, the cry for salvation (Hosanna) must ring out now before it is too late.

Prayer

 Lord, enable us to examine ourselves and ascertain whether we are carrying you as a donkey or as a horse.
                                  Thought for the Day

He who testifies these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.Revelation 22:20

 Abraham Mammen, Epiphany Mar Thoma Church, New York  

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