PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Zechariah 9-10
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“They will sparkle in his land like jewels in a crown.” (Zechariah 9:16)
God is not a monster, and God does not use people as pawns.
God created humans as the crown of creation, with value and significance.
Our misery and shame are not the result of God’s choice, but our own.
God’s desire has always been for each one of us to sparkle like jewels!
These words of Zechariah speak to a people who are not sparkling.
They are crushed, burdened, shamed and living below their natural dignity.
There are many people today who still live like this – no crown, no sparkle.
God is angry at the shepherds (leaders) who caused the sheep to stumble (10:3).
He himself will come, not as a warrior but as a humble, gentle, loving shepherd.
He will lift up the weary burdened and clean them up, and help them to sparkle.
This is who Jesus is: God with us, lifting us up from our shame and misery.
This is who we are supposed to be: restored jewels helping others to sparkle.
As Jesus followers we join Jesus in looking for the weary and burdened.
Jesus is helping them (like he did us) to sparkle and shine… are we?
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, forgive me for devaluing or demeaning others. Help me to see your mercy in restoring us, and help me to help you restore others to their God-given sparkle!
In the midst of prophecies of conquest – enemies being routed and defeated comes this prophecy: “See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” It’s picture of Jesus entering Jerusalem with palm branches waving and cloaks laid down as he rides over them on a donkey. This passage is about victory – victory over evil – of purging, of cleansing – and it is something that only Jesus can do – once and for all. Jesus will return once again and usher in a new era- thanks be to God!
God is with us as He has promised. He is our Redeemer. He continues to lead His people through troubled waters if they but live for Him. He strengthens , empowers His own so that they are able to live for Him. Our strength is in the name of the Lord. That is living. True living.
1. Living for Jesus, a life that is true,
Striving to please Him in all that I do;
Yielding allegiance, glad-hearted and free,
This is the pathway of blessing for me.
Refrain:
O Jesus, Lord and Savior, I give myself to Thee,
For Thou, in Thy atonement, didst give Thyself for me;
I own no other Master, my heart shall be Thy throne;
My life I give, henceforth to live, O Christ, for Thee alone.
2. Living for Jesus Who died in my place,
Bearing on Calv’ry my sin and disgrace;
Such love constrains me to answer His call,
Follow His leading and give Him my all.
3. Living for Jesus, wherever I am,
Doing each duty in His holy Name;
Willing to suffer affliction and loss,
Deeming each trial a part of my cross.
4. Living for Jesus through earth’s little while,
My dearest treasure, the light of His smile;
Seeking the lost ones He died to redeem,
Bringing the weary to find rest in Him.