Prisoners of Hope
Opening Prayer
Gracious Lord, You are the God I worship, You are the Lord of my life. I bless Your name.
Read Zechariah 9:9–17
[9]
Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Meditate
“I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for” (Jer. 29:11, The Message). Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Think Further
Today, faced with the tragedies of our world, feeling powerless as we confront our complex lives, we need inspiration! In broken Jerusalem, the remnant and returnees from exile probably felt the same. These words lift our eyes from the desolate rubble of everyday life to glimpse the future and the hope that God promises his people.
We focus on the King (9). For the people of the time, here was promise of God’s future blessing and leadership. For us, these words point to the triumphal entry of King Jesus into Jerusalem at Passover (Matt. 21:1–11)—and beyond to his return (14). Then, as later for Jesus’ disciples, there was surprise. This God-King rides on a humble donkey (9). He was coming to serve (Phil. 2) and to save (11–16). He would bring peace, not just for the few but available for all (10), and, he would care for his “flock” as a shepherd leads, protects and nurtures his sheep (16). Yes, he is powerful, able to defeat the strongest enemies (10), but the goal is peace as evil is dealt with and relationship with God is restored (11,12).
We consider God’s people (16). “Rejoice!” says God (9)—because this is how he thinks about his people and these are his promises. Prisoners they may have been—and we might sometimes feel ourselves to be—but they are “prisoners of hope” (12). There is a bigger story going on—we are bound up in the life and vision of God. God reminds the people of Judah of his covenant with them; and we are reminded of the saving promise fulfilled in Jesus. God loves us. We are like precious, sparkling jewels (16). This loving, all-powerful Shepherd-King is on our side. In him, we have hope and a future.
Apply
What aspects of hope mean the most to you? Why? How can despair in your life be turned into hope?
Closing prayer
Loving Father, I cherish the knowledge that You value me. Wow—I am a jewel in Your crown (16)! I long to thrive in You (17) and for You.
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