Today's verses compare the Lord's return to Zion to establish his kingdom among his people to a messenger returning from the battlefield to the city carrying news of victory over the enemy. But who would have believed that the "arm of God," the one who had achieved such a marvelous victory and great salvation, is none other than Jesus on the cross?
Jesus once asked his disciples who they thought he was and what the people were saying about him (Matthew 16:19-22). These very questions occupy our minds a great deal, especially here in this land, sometimes to such a degree that they actually create walls between us and those around us, even between us and those closest to us, our brothers and sisters in Christ. Just how important to me is my national identity and sense of belonging?
Jesus was rejected by many of his own nation because, as Messiah, he did not redeem and free them from the power of their Roman conquerors. More than that, he even said, "Give to Caesar (the occupying power) what belongs to him."
It was on the cross that Jesus achieved for us the complete victory and the very highest place. His victory is our victory, just as his position as Son of God is our position, if we will live his suffering and death in our own lives. None of us can have a way to victory that is different or better than the way of our Lord and Savior – the way of the cross, the way of rejection.
Jesus was ready to do only the will of his Father, and in so doing he won the victory. How will I be able to come out victorious? Whose will am I prepared to do?
- 30 APRIL -