A Prophecy Fullfilled

Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! 

See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle 

and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.  Zechariah 9:9:

Written over 500 years before the before the birth of Christ, the Prophet Zechariah spoke of the coming Messiah and that he would arrive to Jerusalem riding on a young donkey.

The Hebrews were looking for a Messiah, a King that would save them and free them from the oppression of the Romans.   Many expected him to arrive, on a stallion, sword drawn, fearless and ready to destroy the oppressors.

But Jesus was not about saving them from their oppressors.   The Hebrews thought he would establish an Earthly Kingdom, He was there to save them for eternity.    Jesus humbles himself and arrives not on a war horse, but a donkey's foal, a symbol of peace and thus fulfilling the prophecy.

As he enters Jerusalem he is greeted and cheered by His followers.  There are many (one of the reasons the Pharisees were so angered by  Him)    

In these days it was customary to lay down garments on the ground of the path of one deserving of the highest honor.  Palm branches were a symbol of triumph and victory, and the crowds waved them and laid them on the ground as well, calling "Hosanna!  Hosanna", and expression of adoration.

Here is a Prayer I would like to Share from
ExploreFaith.org

Gracious God, 


The energy and emotion of a parade can generate joy. 

Yet the joy of your  parade into Jerusalem turned so quickly to 

pain signaling the sacrifice of your own self.  


Let this day remind me that while emotions can be fickle, 

your faithfulness and love remain true.  


May I see in the giving of your life 

the power to give myself for others simply for love. 


When life’s struggle sears my soul 

or sacrifice strips me of hope, 

strengthen me with your spirit that strode into Jerusalem


To face death 

Even as palm branches were strewn before your path

And the crowd cried 


“Hosanna in the highest.”