See, your king comes to you – Zech 9:9
Do you sometimes wonder about why
there is so much suffering and unhappiness in our society and in our personal
lives, despite us living in a stable society, with peace and unprecedented
prosperity?
I read about a group of persecuted
Christians in China
It is fascinating to think about
possible identities of the two beasts in Rev 13. Whatever or whoever they are,
it is clear that they are hostile and dangerous to Christians. The saints are
therefore called to patient endurance and faithfulness (v10) and wisdom (v18).
Today this is still highly relevant for persecuted Christians worldwide, but
also for us, since our enemy, Satan, is always at work against us, prowling “around like a roaring lion looking for
someone to devour” (1 Pe 5:8).
In Zechariah 9 we read more
detailed prophecy about the Messiah being a gentle and humble Saviour, taking
away and breaking weapons, proclaiming peace to the ends of the world and
bringing freedom and salvation. In contrast, king Uzziah in 2 Chr 26 is
described as being very powerful with a large well-trained army and weapons.
God gave him success as long as he sought the Lord, but ultimately his pride
lead to his downfall through attempting to perform duties of a priest.
Interestingly, in an earlier prophecy of Zechariah we read that the Messiah
would be both king and priest (Zech 6:13).
Jesus said of himself: “Do not suppose that I have come to bring
peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.” (Matt
10:34). The NIV study Bible commentary explains that this is no contradiction
with Jesus being the ‘Prince of Peace’ (Isa 9:6), since although Christ came to
bring peace between the believer and God, and peace among men, the inevitable
result is conflict, between Christ and the anti-christ.
Heavenly Father, thank you that
through our King Jesus Christ, we have peace with you. Please help us to fulfil
our calling for patient endurance, faithfulness and wisdom when we face
difficulties. Amen.
(friend of Christ Church)