July 3, 2017

5th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 9

Scripture: Zechariah 9:9–12

During the second half of the church year the Old Testament reading reinforces the message of the Gospel lesson. Today’s reading is often associated with Palm Sunday, yet we should notice that it also speaks of joy, peace, release, hope and restoration from God for his people. We receive good news in this reading as it proclaims to us that God comes to save his people and that the conflict and struggle we experience in this life will be replaced with God’s peace.

Teaching

As stated above, this lesson is often associated with Palm Sunday because it speaks of the king coming “on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey,” and that is precisely what Jesus did when he entered Jerusalem the week of his crucifixion. Jesus shows that his kingship is different from the world’s kings’ reigns. He is the one who rules over all things. If anyone has the right to come with pomp it is Jesus, nevertheless he entered Jerusalem in humility. This king comes not for war or power, but having power he comes to give peace and restoration.

Life

The image of the waterless pit is one of utter hopelessness. It is the sensation of utter abandonment and weakness. Have you ever experienced such a feeling? It is, in fact, exactly where our sin leaves us. It tells us that we are unforgiveable and that God has abandoned us. In truth, we are helpless on our own. But God speaks great comfort to us in the midst of our sense of abandonment: “Your king is coming!” He comes gently, not to punish you, but to save you.

Having been saved we return to our stronghold of hope. Remember that sin seeks to cut us off from God, the one who defends and provides for us. Thus we identify God himself as our stronghold of hope. We are set free from the waterless pit so we can return to God and live in the hope of his forgiveness and salvation. Now when we are tempted we can turn to God and his Word to defend us. We can call upon him in prayer for relief and rescue. He will answer us and give us peace.

Prayer

Instruction, Thanksgiving, Confession, Petition

O God, you sent Jesus to come to us as our gentle and humble king. He is the Righteous One who brings us salvation from our sins, release from our waterless pit, and peace with you. Thank you for such a kind and loving king who would give his very life to save us! Forgive us for our sins of rebellion against you and our king. Strengthen our faith so that when we are tempted to sin that we would return to you as our stronghold against sin. Fill us with hope so that we would follow our king and live under his blessed reign. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen. 

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