Reformation Lutheran 1997 Lenten Devotional - Number 41

March 24, 1997. Today's Bible verse is Zechariah 9:9-10

Holy Week

HE is coming with salvation and peace. Not as conqueror but as savior, gently to stretch his rule to cover all.

GOD proclaims His salvation and peace to all. We are to celebrate and share the joy, but how do we recognize HIM? The words are written up to 550 years before Christ's entrance into Jerusalem, in the time after the exile. It foretells of the day, when God will come and save all peoples. The writing addresses a people coming home from exile and having been told that their sin had caused their sufferings. It appears to expect a need for a 'final solution' to man's eternal problem in relation to God. It describes an all-powerful King fully righteous coming to man as a gentle being, supported by youth. Would we recognize HIM?

He will cause war to cease and weapons to be dismantled at least in Palestine, for the reference really seems to be to the northern and southern kingdoms from before the Exile. HE will, however, govern to the ends of the earth, though the seas and the river are unknown places.

Today I believe He has come, and continues to come into our lives at Easter, and anytime we let Him in. He comes to us in peace and gentleness and causes strife to cease. He comes among us an causes celebration while He spreads His kingdom. May He always find the door open.

Prayer: Dear Father, Lord and King. Arrive today at my door and enter in to spread Your peace and establish Your kingdom. Take way any chariots of anger or frustration, remove any horses of envy or deceit and break all bows and arrows of bitterness or hostility that I may live in peace under Your rule now and forever. Amen.

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