Category Archives: Messiah

Bible, Messiah, Prophesy, Salvation, Scripture

PROPHECY FULFILLED

ZECHARIAH 9:9

“Rejoice greatly, daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; He is righteous and endowed with salvation, humble, and mounted on a donkey, even on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”

“I just love it when a plan comes together.” This is the famous quote of John “Hannibal” Smith in the TV series of the 1980s. This action-adventure series came to people’s rescue time and time again. You knew what was going to happen every show. The bad guys would get caught and end up in prison. The good guys (The A-Team) would leave as heroes.

Why is the world would I use that illustration for today’s verse, which just happens to be one of the most famous Messianic prophecies in Scripture? Because God’s plan came together. Here in Zechariah, it is prophesied that the Messiah would ride into Jerusalem on a donkey. Their King, their source of salvation would come in humbly. Even the Talmud (the central text of Rabbinic Judaism) refers to the Messiah riding an ass (donkey).

APPLICATION

Hallelujahs rang out in Jerusalem when they saw Jesus arrive. Matthew 21:6-7 says, “6 The disciples went and did just as Jesus had instructed them, 7 and brought the donkey and the colt, and laid their cloaks on them; and He sat on the cloaks.” Can you just picture the people? They knew the prophecy of Zechariah. They were ecstatic – for a little while.

They didn’t get the full picture. The donkey represented the Jewish people. The foal represented the Gentiles. Jesus was sending a message that all would receive salvation through Him. He was the source of salvation for all mankind. This was not about an earthly kingdom. This was not about freedom from Rome. This was much bigger than that.

Do you get it? Jesus arrived humbly as THE KING of glory. He came to rescue you, me and everyone else from a certain destruction. He didn’t enter Jerusalem with an army. He didn’t need that. His power was enough to vanquish all sin. The cries of “Hallelujah” would quickly change to “Crucify Him.’ What are you shouting today? I hope it is “Hallelujah to the King of kings.”

I shout hallelujah to Your name, O Lord. You are my one and only King Jesus.

Standard
Abiding, Abundance, Angels, Bible, Encouragement, Fruit, Goodness, Messiah, Prophesy, Scripture

THE BRANCH

ZECHARIAH 3:8

“‘“Now listen, Joshua, you high priest, you and your friends who are sitting in front of you—indeed they are men who are a sign: for behold, I am going to bring in My servant the Branch.”’”

I have had a lot of nicknames. I was called Carlie Warlie by my siblings when we were children. My sisters still call me that sometimes. I was called C-dub by a college roommate. My favorite name to be called is Dad. I love that I am a dad to my kids. I am called Poppy now by my grandkids. That is the best one yet.

So, who is “the Branch” in Zechariah’s vision. Many scholars say (and I agree) that this is a reference to the Messiah. We have other prophets use this term. Isaiah 4:2 and 11:1 call Him “the Branch.” Jeremiah uses the same term in 23:5-6 and 33:15. This Branch, the Messiah, is being foretold by the angel who is addressing Zechariah. We know this was fulfilled through Jesus.

APPLICATION

Do you know He has come? Jesus, the Messiah, the Branch, came over 2,000 years ago to fulfill the prophecies of these prophets. More importantly, He came to bring salvation to mankind. A branch reaches out. It lifts up. It bears the fruit. It provides shade from the heat. The Branch is given to us so that we can have all these things.

Have you come up under the Branch? Have you experienced the pleasures of His shade? Jesus wants to bring you so much more than comfort. He wants to bring you life, and life more abundantly. This Branch can never be cut off. It will stand forever. There is no danger of losing its protection, if you will just come up under it and receive what it has to give.

I have seen all kinds of branches. I have seen them from above and below. I have seen them while standing among them. But there is only one true Branch. Jesus is the Branch upon which I rest. He is sturdy and sure. Come to Him now.

Thank You, Lord, for providing the Branch for us.

Standard