26 November 2010
Psalm 140, 142; Zech 14.1-11; Rom 15.7-13; Luke 19.28-40

After the time of judgment the Lord Himself will come and the geography of the land itself will be changed as the Lord of all stands on the mount of Olives. In this day all will be changed, not simply the contours of the land, nothing will be as it was before. Zechariah sounds as though he saw the same vision as Isaiah re the mountains and hills being brought low and the valleys lifted up, the crooked way made straight, Ezekiel (see chapter 47) and the same vision as John in the Revelation. There are real similarities in their visions. Should we count on those visions becoming reality and should we not pray for the coming of the kingdom with confidence and a true sense of what that will ultimately mean?

The entry of Jesus into Jerusalem brings praise and worship from some and jealousy and rebuke from others. This scene had to unnerve those who opposed Him. Jesus is coming, as in Zechariah’s prophecy, from the Mount of Olives, the Lord is coming to His people. What will it mean? Some of the Pharisees ask Jesus to rebuke His disciples, calling Him teacher. Would a rabbi allow such a demonstration, particularly if it would upset the Romans to hear Him proclaimed as king? If he is a rabbi only then rebuke would indeed be called for here but Jesus is not a rabbi, He is Messiah, the King of kings, the Lord of lords and his response is that “if these were silent, the very stones would cry out." Let us never be silent, let us continually praise and proclaim Him so long as we have breath!

We have received mercy and salvation in Jesus, let us rejoice. Paul reminds the Romans that whether they began life as Jews or Gentiles makes no difference, there is no distinction in Christ Jesus and that is in accordance with the promise of God and the prophetic word. The only thing remaining, the only thing needful, is to worship and praise Him.

I cry to you, O LORD;
I say, "You are my refuge,
my portion in the land of the living."
Attend to my cry,
for I am brought very low!
Deliver me from my persecutors,
for they are too strong for me!
Bring me out of prison,
that I may give thanks to your name!
The righteous will surround me,
for you will deal bountifully with me.