Our meditation to start the week in the Word is from Zechariah 9:9, part of the Old Testament reading for Palm Sunday.
[9] Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
It is fitting that the Old Testament reading for Palm Sunday comes from Zechariah, since Zechariah has the most messianic prophesies of the minor prophets. Prophesies are vital for our faith.
Prophecies identify the Messiah. Zechariah 9:9 is particularly clear in pointing to Jesus, since Matthew quotes it in his account of Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem (Matthew 21:5). We know Jesus is the Messiah, because Zechariah told us how the Messiah would enter Jerusalem.
Prophecies also deepen our confidence in God. Just as God was faithful in fulfilling the prophecy in Zechariah 9:9 so God will be faithful in keeping his promises. For example, keeping his promise to never leave or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5) and that we have everlasting life (John 11:25).
Finally, prophecies affirm the value of studying of the entire Bible. There is great value in finding the themes that are woven through the Scriptures, especially the wide range of prophecies that help us better understand the Christ.
Just as those gathered outside of the village of Bethphage were praising God for the arrival of the Messiah, so also today we give thanks to God for Jesus. The prophecies in Zechariah are part of the inspiration for praise then and now.
Kevin Wilson 360 