Wednesday, January 1’s devotional. “Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion; shout in triumph, Daughter Jerusalem! Look, your King is coming to you; He is righteous and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey” (Zechariah 9:9, CSB). These words from Zechariah, echoed during Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem (John 12:12–15), resonate with hope and majesty. Andre reminded us in his sermon that this prophecy reveals Jesus as both Shepherd and King. “He is not just a king,” but the Shepherd King, guiding us with compassion and ruling with righteousness.
The humility of Christ’s entrance is staggering. Unlike earthly rulers who assert dominance with pomp and power, Jesus came riding a lowly donkey, symbolizing peace. This is a stark contrast to the prideful displays of leadership we often witness. Jesus’ humility challenges us to view leadership through the lens of servanthood, where power is wielded to protect and uplift rather than to oppress. His entrance into Jerusalem is a reminder that true kingship is marked by righteousness and sacrificial love.
Andre pointed out the depth of our spiritual exile, much like the Israelites returning from Babylon. “We’re kind of in exile,” he explained. We’ve come to faith in Jesus, but we’re not yet living in the fullness of the Kingdom. The promise of the New Jerusalem—a restored Garden of Eden where we will dwell in perfect fellowship with God—calls us to keep our eyes fixed on eternity. This coming Kingdom is not about ritualistic worship but about joyful, heartfelt communion with the King.
Jonathan Edwards once wrote, “The happiness of the creature consists in rejoicing in God, by which God is magnified and exalted.” As we reflect on the Shepherd King’s humility and victory, let us rejoice in His presence now while anticipating the fullness of His reign. Our worship should not be mere ritual but a genuine outpouring of our love and gratitude for the King who gave His life for us.
Lord Jesus, we rejoice in Your righteousness and humility. You are our victorious Shepherd King, guiding us through life’s challenges and pointing us to the hope of Your eternal Kingdom. Teach us to lead as You led—with compassion and humility. Transform our worship into heartfelt praise and help us to focus on what is to come. Strengthen us to live as Your faithful followers until the day we see You face to face. Amen.
This devotional content is not penned by the preacher. It is derived from the sermon notes. We aim to provide bite-sized reflections throughout the week for devotion and reflection.