Zechariah 9:9-12

“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.” vs. 9

When the Babylonian exiles returned to Judea, they were full of hope and anticipated that this might be the beginning of a new era for Israel, but their dreams quickly dissipated as old rivalries surfaced and the different factions began jockeying for power. It was in that context that the prophet Zechariah showed up with a new vision for Israel. He looked forward to the day when there would be a new king riding into Jerusalem. This king would be humble and riding on a donkey, and his reign would be the end of war and conflict.

It’s a powerful image, and we recognize it as the one Jesus adopted in his final visit to Jerusalem. Jesus knew that the hope of the world did not lie in adopting more powerful weaponry or amassing blood-thirsty armies. His kingdom would be one of peace and it would encompass all lands and all peoples. 

Against all odds, that Kingdom of Peace has been established and continues to be the hope of the world. Humility and gentleness are the marks of its leaders and it fights division with diversity, equity, and inclusion. Those who have been called to serve by Jesus use steadfast love and sacrificial service as their weapons and they will be victorious!

Thought for the Day: Why is the Kingdom of Peace such a threat to politicians?