Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 Hosanna: Jesus' entry into Jerusalem - Alternative Style of Kingship

Zechariah 9: 1-12

Rejoice greatly, O daughter Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter Jerusalem! Lo, your king comes to you; triumphant and victorious is he, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. V.9
 
The prophet Zechariah reminds the people of Israel of their past. All of their misdeeds and wrongdoings that were offensive of God. Remember how the ancestors rejected the prophets, and that’s how they got into this predicament in the first place, he tells them. But yes, there is hope – only if they will pursue justice and peace and are faithful to the covenant God made with you. Then Zechariah tells them to repent.
We are in a constant battle with the devil. He wants to distract us from God so that we can undo this beautiful creation. Dearly beloved remember that we are prisoners of hope. Zechariah calls Israel to face the fact their hopes had been dashed, because their hope had been misplaced. It was a false hope that, once messiah showed up on his war horse, everything could go back to the way it was. But the way it was meant idolatry, turning away from God, rejecting God’s prophets and God’s promises. Let us bow before the altar and ask for forgiveness.
 
Prayer
Lord Jesus, help us to fight this battle that we may fight for the Lord. Help us to repent and come to you with arms opened wide open. Amen
 
Leena Chacko
Chicago Mar Thoma Church

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