How do we find joy? It is easier for some than others. Some are so burdened down with the cares of the world that they cannot see through to the joy. Some just choose to not see the joy. While yet, others find joy in everything. Straightforward, simple joys are the best.
I just spent nearly three weeks surrounded by youth, from the age of one, to youth emerging into adulthood, and to the parents of each family coping with the pressures modern life. There was so much joy and love. Every moment of it was soaked up into my dry and joy-parched soul. I loved spending time with them all and making new friends and having many Christmas adventures…which, yes, you will hear about here!
I am already looking forward to a return trip!
There are lots of things in life to look forward to. In the Bible, we see that the prophet Zechariah was not only a prophet but he was also a priest. He was part of the group that returned to Jerusalem from the Babylonian captivity. He tried to reassure Judah that if they would follow God whole heartedly that God would bless and protect them. He also prophesied about the coming Messiah. (1)
We see in Zechariah 9:9, Zachariah tells the people (whom he calls the daughter of Zion) to rejoice. He didn’t just tell them to rejoice, he told them to rejoice greatly because their King was coming to them. He described Him as lowly or humble, just or righteous. He was to be the one that would bring salvation to God’s people. His appearing would be peaceful. He would ride in to them upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass. “This imagery contrasts with the expectations of a conquering hero and points to the nature of the Messiah’s kingdom as one of peace and humility.” (2)
By the time that Christ did come, they were challenged to see Him as their Messiah. It seemed that they were looking more for a mighty, conquering hero than a peaceful, meek Savior.
What is the challenge this verse poses for those that are Christ followers? I feel like the challenge for us could be in looking for the Messiah. We know that Christ came the first time in peace to bring salvation. We need to meet the challenge each day of joyfully looking toward the second coming of our Messiah.
How can we apply this to our lives? The prophet calls for exuberant joy. The very least we could do is to muster up some joy. Then build on it until it is an exuberant joy! God created us for relationship. We should work to make that a joyful relationship.
My faith is strengthened when I read in God’s Word how the Messiah came in peace, lived a moral, gentle, peaceful life as an example for us to follow. He came in gentle peace rather than in power and force. He allowed (and still allows) us to choose Him, rather than demanding allegiance.
Lord thank You for pointing the way to our Savior. Thank You for giving us signs to look for and descriptions so that we would recognize Him if we really seek Him. Help me amp up the joy of my worship and relationship with You.
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“8 And I will encamp about mine house because of the army, because of him that passeth by, and because of him that returneth: and no oppressor shall pass through them any more: for now have I seen with mine eyes. 9 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.” Zechariah 9:8-9 (KJV)
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I feel that since God has given me the gift of this platform, I must always tell you about my Jesus.
What is your relationship to the all-knowing God of the universe? Do you know Jesus? Do you know the peace that can come only from an intimate relationship with Him? You can know Him. Jesus Christ, God’s Son, born into human flesh, sinless, crucified and giving His life freely, buried, arisen on the third day, will come into your life and change the outcome of your eternity. You just have to be willing to believe and accept His truth.
Here is an excellent website that can give you additional information about making your decision for Jesus Christ! PeaceWithGod.net
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1 Blue letter Bible Online, Commentaries, ESV Global Study Bible, Zechariah [Zechariah] (https://www.blueletterbible.org/esv-study-bible/old-testament/character-profiles/zechariah.cfm?a=920009)
2 Bible Hub Online, Study, Zechariah 9:9, (https://biblehub.com/study/zechariah/9-9.htm)
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Restricted Vision, Unburdened Sight 