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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