THE COMING KING OF ZION (ZECH.9:9-17)

EXPOSITION The greatness of a kingdom is seen in their king, every great kingdom is led by a great king. God’s intention is to establish and restore His people, to flourish them and through them reconcile the world to Himself is indicative of God’s intention to bring to his people a King greater than…

B. Kwaku Mensah (Rev.)

Nov 20, 2021

3–5 minutes

EXPOSITION

The greatness of a kingdom is seen in their king, every great kingdom is led by a great king. God’s intention is to establish and restore His people, to flourish them and through them reconcile the world to Himself is indicative of God’s intention to bring to his people a King greater than what they ever had. This great King according to the Scriptures will not only be a great king but also a Deliverer, not a human conqueror but a divine. Prince of Peace; not rich and powerful, but poor and meek; not astride a prancing steed, but riding a humble ass, an animal of peace.

This coming King seems to be different from all the king the people had ever seen. It is for this purpose the prophet in declaring to them the news, encouraged them to “rejoice greatly……. shout aloud,..” (Zech.9:9). Why should they shout and rejoice greatly? He answered in the second part of the same verse: “…your King comes to you; triumphant and victorious is he, humble and riding on a donkey, on colt, the foal of a donkey.” The prophet Zechariah seems to be telling them that; ‘this king is not like the ones you’re used to.’ Though He is triumphant and victorious, He is Humble. Instead of riding on a horse as a victorious King, He chose to ride on a colt. He is exactly opposite what Kings and victorious warriors are known for, This actually calls for shout of joy from ordinary people who before the coming of this king were victims of exploitations of their leaders.

It is just like our world today where some of our leaders; political and religious, who are to serve the interest of the poor and the vulnerable are puffed up with pride and arrogance and are always seem riding in high consuming luxurious cars to the detriment of the poor. As soon as they get to the top, they lose torch with the masses. To the prophet, this coming King is different, though His Kingdom will be from coast to coast (Zechariah 9:10). He command Shalom (peace) to the nations. The peace mentioned is the one that brings healing to the nations, the one that comes with divine flourishing, not only to the ruling class but at all levels.

The verse 11 of Zechariah 9 painted a picture of this King as a covenant keeping King. To the prophet, this King is not like our leaders who promise their way to the top and live each day denying them. He said ‘because of the blood of my covenant with you, I will set your prisoners free.’ This coming King is our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, any one in His covenant will surely be set free. He is the only King ready to take a shot for commoner like you and me. If he can die for you even on the Cross, what else can He not do for you? He is not just a King, he is also a saviour. Hallelujah.

That is why the call to you and I today to return to the stronghold is important. Returning to God through Christ in words and actions is key for our redemption. Returning to God entails change of mind, action and direction. Friends, if your direction is wrong, speed will not get you there. What you need is to return to Jesus our stronghold. Most of us are prisoners of hopelessness, our struggles are fruitless. Listen to the promise to the returnees to the stronghold: today I declare that I will restore to you double… (Zech.9:12). It is certain; restoration awaits those who return to Jesus, the coming King of Zion.

Beloved, the verses 14 to 17 sounded eschatological(concerns the end times), reminding us that a trumpet will be sounded, that there will be calamities but the Lord God will save us His flock from it. Beloved, the God Almighty will protect us and flourish us if we return to Him the king of kings. Amen.

CONCLUSION

Beloved, realization of the full Kingdom blessings hinges on our returning to God our and Christ our coming King. The text recorded the testimonies of the victorious and saved remnants of Israel. For us to share in these testimonies in the second advent of Jesus Christ, we must surrender ourselves completely to Jesus our Lord and King, for the Lord’s triumphant heroes on that day will glitter. Amen.

PRAYER

Lord Jesus, thank you for your love and care. As we turn to you our stronghold, may you restore us and cause us to flourish in faith and grace even as we await your second advent as our Saviour and King. Amen.