(Zechariah 9; Luke 19:28-48) 5783 B”H

It is already nearly Palm Sunday and Passover! We still have snow on the ground here in the northwoods, but the joy of our Savior’s Resurrection warms our hearts and helps us remember that the spring flowers are just about to burst forth.

Zekharyah: God remembers

Have you ever read the full prophecy found in Zechariah 9?

Zechariah (זְכַרְיָה (Zekharyah) was a priest and prophet by heritage and lineage and God used him to reveal one of the most important Messianic prophecies!

The Hebrew name “Zekharyah” means “God remembers.”

God remembers His people, He remembers His promises, and prophecy is fulfilled precisely because the LORD has spoken and His Word will not return void (Isaiah 55:11).

The chapter begins with judgment on Israel’s enemies – highly appropriate given the promise of Zion’s Coming King who would defeat evil. God remembered all that Israel had endured and reassured them that He would send the Righteous One.

Zechariah 9:9-17 contains the prophecies that were fulfilled on Palm Sunday. Additionally, this passage prophesies that the coming King would speak shalom and salvation to the nations:

Rejoice greatly, daughter of Zion!
        Shout, daughter of Jerusalem!
    Behold, your King is coming to you,
        a righteous one bringing salvation.
        He is lowly, riding on a donkey—
        on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
I will banish chariots from Ephraim
        and horses from Jerusalem,
        and the war bow will be broken.
    He will speak shalom to the nations.
    His rule will extend from sea to sea,
    from the River to the ends of the earth.
As for you also, by the blood of your covenant,
        I will release your prisoners from the waterless Pit.
Return to the stronghold, you prisoners of hope!
    Today I declare that I will restore twice as much to you.
I will bend Judah as my bow
        and fill it with Ephraim.
  I will rouse your sons, O Zion
        against your sons, O Greece.
    I will wield you like a warrior’s sword.

Then ADONAI will be seen over them
    as His arrow flashes like lightning.
ADONAI Elohim will blow the shofar
    and march in whirlwinds of the south.
ADONAI TZVA’OT will defend them.
    They will consume and conquer with sling stones.
    They will drink and roar as with wine
        and be filled like a bowl,
        like the corners of the altar.
ADONAI their God will save them on that day
        as the flock of His people.
    They will be like gems of a crown
        sparkling over His land.
How good and beautiful it will be!
    Grain will make the young men thrive
        and new wine the virgin women.” Zechariah 9:9-17, emphases added

Isn’t this beautiful to picture?

“They will be like gems of a crown sparkling over His land.” Zechariah 9:16b

He loves you so much you sparkle like a regal gem!

As you can see, this Bible passage describes the overwhelming and awesome power of the LORD Most High. His arrows flash like lightning and shofars will sound and the LORD of the Armies will defend us. It is really impactful to dwell on this passage for a time. Meditate on God’s Word! You will always be blessed.

Our Humble King, Owner of all things

Do you notice that the Zechariah passage ends with all such fanfare and victorious imagery, but it sure didn’t start out that way. It tells about a lowly Man, riding on a donkey. But, despite the humbleness of the passage, it does make a bold announcement:

“Behold, your King is coming to you.” Zechariah 9:9

What a statement!

The King was coming! And not just any King – your King. The One who will hold out His scepter of righteous forgiveness and allow you into His Presence with all-consuming love, mercy, and passion.

Do you need to hear that today?

Do you need to know that there is One who holds all Authority, the Majestic King of all kings, and He is coming once again? No one knows the day or the hour of Yeshua’s (Jesus’) Second Coming, but I can assure you this: He is coming back for His own.

As Zechariah records, Messiah Yeshua (Jesus Christ our Lord) is the Righteous One and He is bringing salvation. He will save you, deliver you, and set you free of your burdens and your sins and even the curse and sting of death. He will give you new life, if you will trust in Him today with all your heart.

Luke documented the fulfillment of Zechariah’s prophecy that the Messiah would ride on a colt. (Luke 19:30ff).

I love how the owners of the colt ask the two disciples in Luke 19, “Why are you untying the colt?” Luke 19:33

That was a reasonable question. The disciples didn’t own the colt, but the Master, the LORD Himself can given them permission to take it! They were instructed to simply say,

“The LORD has need of him.” (Luke 19:34, NKJV).

“The Master needs it.” (Luke 19:34, TLV).

God owns everything, so He owned that young donkey, too.

The LORD needed the donkey because He was absolutely fulfilling in every minute detail the words of Zechariah‘s triumphal prophecy.

Luke describes the Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem

Even though our LORD chose to use a lowly donkey as His transportation into Jerusalem, the events of that first Palm Sunday were far from lowly.

During what is commonly described as “the Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem,” there was now a full multitude of people who would consider themselves Yeshua’s (Jesus’) disciples. They were celebrating because they knew He was the Anointed One, the Promised King!

Scripture says that they praised God with a loud voice!

Do you, too, praise Him with a loud voice?

Do you let it be known that you and your household serve this King?

“When Yeshua came near the slope of the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began to rejoice. They praised God with a loud voice for all the miracles they had seen, saying,

“Blessed is the King who comes in the name of ADONAI!”
Shalom in heaven and glory in the highest!”

Some of the Pharisees from the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, rebuke Your disciples!”

But answering, Yeshua said, “I tell you that if these keep silent, the stones will shout out!”

As He drew near and saw Jerusalem, He wept over her, saying, “If only you had recognized this day the things that lead to shalom! But now they are hidden from your eyes. For the days will come upon you when your enemies will surround you with barricades and hem you in on all sides. And they will smash you to the ground—you and your children within you. And they won’t leave within you one stone upon another, because you did not recognize the time of your visitation.” (Luke 19:37-45).

Blessed is the King!

What has often become a repetitive custom to say, “Baruch haba b’Shem Adonai” was in that moment the most powerful declaration of allegiance and praise!

Shalom in Heaven and Glory in the Highest!

Shalom in heaven!

Glory in the Highest!

Doesn’t that reach the depths of your heart?

The joy of knowing the King of kings has come!

I imagine the overwhelming experiential joy that the disciples must have been feeling at that moment!

The Pharisees missed the mark and wanted to hear a public rebuke.

But Yeshua (Jesus) knew the condition of their hearts.

He wept over the Holy City, knowing that despite their daily greetings to one another saying, “Shalom,” they truly didn’t understand shalom.

More than a greeting and more than a temporary condition, true shalom comes only from being in right relationship with the Holy One, learning to love and seeking His mercy. Keeping every jot and tittle of the law could not save the people. They needed to know the Lord of Shalom.

Rejoice Greatly and Shout

Zechariah 9:9 proclaims we are to rejoice greatly and shout because of the announcement of the Coming King!

As we enter this Holy time of Passover and celebrating the FirstFruits of the Resurrection, I pray you will rejoice greatly. That you will not be ashamed to shout praises unto God Most High!

The tomb is empty. Our King will return!

Celebrate! And may we pray for those who do not yet know Him. That they, too, would shout “Hoshiana!” (Hosanna!): Please, save!

Parashat P’kudei (Shemot/Exodus 38:21-40:38)

Completion of the Tabernacle

This passage starts out where we left off discussing the Tabernacle’s skilled artisans, Betzalel and Oholiab. They were the wise-hearted, skilled artisans who were responsible for the craftsmanship associated with the building of the Tabernacle.

Betzalel, of the tribe of Judah “made all that the LORD commanded Moses.” Exodus 38:22. He was like an ideal congregation member. He would hear the pastor/leader’s vision and make it happen.

Likewise, Oholiab, of the tribe of Dan, was “a craftsman, a skillful workman, and a weaver of colors, in blue, purple, scarlet, and fine linen.” Exodus 38:23.

Tabernacle set-up

The final chapter of Exodus details how Moshe (Moses) set up the Tabernacle. He followed the instructions of the LORD very carefully.

Exodus 40:33 “He set up the courtyard around the Tabernacle and the altar and set up the screen at the gate of the courtyard. So Moses finished the work.“ (emphasis added)

Moses finished that work. It was necessary and surely it was arduous, but it was done. The tabernacle was built to foreshadow the unfolding of the story of salvation.

When the work was finished, then the glory of the LORD could come and fill that place.

And that’s exactly what happened!

Exodus 40:34 “Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of ADONAI filled the Tabernacle.”

It is finished

The glory of the LORD filling the Tabernacle would have been absolutely amazing. Can you imagine being there!? But as awe-inspiring as that was, the salvation story was still being written.

You see, One greater-than-Moses would come: Yeshua haMashiach (Jesus the Christ). He would finish a greater work. He would complete the story of salvation. A story which is HIStory – the truest, greatest story ever told.

On the cross at Calvary’s hill, Yeshua said, “It is finished” (John 19:30).

Now, let me remind you what is truly remarkable.

Yeshua, Himself the Temple of the Holy Spirit, imparts to us His Spirit. He died and rose again, and breathed upon the disciples so that they could receive the Holy Spirit (Ruach haKodesh). Our bodies are a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Just as the Glory of God came to fill the Tabernacle, He is willing to come upon you and to fill you with His Spirit. If you have not yet received the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, please let us know and we will pray for you!

We end our reading of Shemot/Exodus as the Tabernacle is completed and gloriously filled with the Presence of the Most High. The book of Exodus is a book about freedom. The Greatest Freedom you can ever experience is the freedom from sin and death.

Will you trust Yeshua (Jesus) as your Savior today? He alone can free you from all bondage and give you eternal life.

As you can see, the Bible is full of amazing connections that demonstrate the continuity between the time of Moses and the time of Yeshua! Maybe you have a favorite? Let us know in the comments and please consider subscribing to our newsletter! Are you placing your trust in Messiah Yeshua for the first time? Are you renewing your commitment to Him? Let us know how we can pray with and for you! Shalom!

The Tabernacle’s skilled artisans

Then [Yeshua/Jesus] continued telling them, “Nation will rise up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes along with famines and epidemics in various places, and there will be terrors along with great signs from heaven. Luke 21:10-11, emphasis added

Do you have quarantine fatigue? Tired of wearing a mask in the middle of the hot summer? You’re not alone.

None of us want to hear more about Covid-19, yet this pestilence doesn’t seem to be ending. We know we are in the last days, so we should not be surprised by these occurrences. Our Messiah cautioned us that there would be outbreaks of sickness. The pandemic is not over, and we must exercise wisdom and caution.

As though that isn’t enough to worry about, some of us struggle with anxiety issues. You might not get Covid, but you might be living in fear that you will. May you find shalom in the words of Scripture.

I recently had to have an unexpected surgery. Believe me, I was anxious! Anything to do with needles gets me quite riled up. But the LORD is faithful! He gave me a Word just days prior from Isaiah 58:8-10, and the promise contained within provided me the peace I so desperately needed.

“Then your light will break out like the dawn,

and your recovery will spring up quickly;

and your Righteousness will go before you;

the Glory of the LORD will be your rear guard.

Then you will call, and the LORD will answer;

you will cry for help, and He will say, ‘Here I am.'”

Isaiah 58:8-10, Tree of life version

I would like to share some other Scripture passages that I believe will help you in whatever situation you find yourself in. Rely on His strength, and I assure you, He will comfort you and free you from fear!

To begin, Psalm 27 is a wonderful Psalm to help overcome fear. The first verse is very well known:

ADONAI is my light and my salvation:
    whom should I fear?
ADONAI is the stronghold of my life:
    whom should I dread?

Psalm 27:1, TLV

What is needed in times of trouble is confidence. Being confident in the LORD means you have the ability to trust that the One in whom you have placed your trust for your salvation is able in the here and now to help you. Psalm 27 address this as well:

Though an army camp besieges me, my heart will not fear.

Though war breaks out against me, even then will I be confident.

Psam 27:3, TLV

Use the Psalms as a springboard for prayer.

The Almighty and Eternal One has helped you before. He will help you again.

You have been my help.

Do not abandon me or forsake me,

O God my salvation.

Psalm 27:9cd, TLV

I love how Psalm 27 ends, particularly as translated by the New King James Version.

I would have lost heart, unless I had believed
That I would see the goodness of the LORD
In the land of the living.

Wait on the LORD:
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the LORD!

Psalm 27:13-14, NKJV, emphasis added

Psalm 30 is another wonderful Psalm of encouragement.

ADONAI my God, I cried to You for help, and You healed me.

Psalm 30:2

Do not ALLOW your heart to be troubled

 I feel that the Ruach haKodesh (the Holy Spirit) illuminated me to an important spiritual reality, the day I was set for surgery. He reminded me of Yeshua’s words in John 14:1 “Do not let your heart be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in Me.” There’s an imperative in there – do not LET. Do not ALLOW. Do not PERMIT.

But that means you and I, we have a choice here. Our emotions can really mess with us, but we are to take control over that by keeping our mind renewed and set on spiritual things. Scripture tells us to take our thoughts captive:

. . . We are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Messiah . . .

2 Cor.10:5

When I started to really think about that, I found myself better able to control my fear. That’s the key, isn’t it? Controlling your fear, so fear doesn’t control you. I kept telling my heart it was not allowed to fear. I have not been given the spirit of fear, but of love, power, and a sound mind (2 Tim.1:7). He has given us authority, so we need to use trust Him and use it (Luke 10:19). Yeshua repeats this instruction in verse 27 of the same chapter:

“Shalom I leave you, My shalom I give to you; but not as the world gives! Do not let your heart be troubled or afraid.”

John 14:27

Faithfulness + Faith = Confidence that you will be delivered from your fears

Do you have a track record of being faithful to the LORD and His mission? Overcoming anxiety truly becomes a matter of faith. If you have diligently sought the LORD prior to undergoing a test or trial, it will naturally be easier for you to rely on Him during the storm and you will be able to confidently confess that He has delivered you from all your fears.

Magnify ADONAI with me

and let us exalt His Name together.

I sought ADONAI, and He answered me,

and delivered me from all my fears.

They who looked to Him were radiant,

and their faces will never be ashamed.

This poor man cried, and ADONAI heard,

and saved him out of all his troubles.

Psalm 34:4-7

Psalm 34 really highlights the way that the LORD reciprocates His love toward those who love and trust in Him.

The righteous cry out and ADONAI hears,
and delivers them from all their troubles.
ADONAI is close to the brokenhearted,
and saves those crushed in spirit.
Many are the distresses of the righteous,
but ADONAI delivers him out of them all.
He keeps all his bones—
not one of them is broken.
Evil kills the wicked—
those who hate the righteous will be held guilty.
ADONAI redeems the soul of His servants
—no one who takes refuge in Him will be held guilty.

Psalm 34:18-23, TLV (v.17-22 in most other English translations such as NKJV)

As does Psalm 55:22 (v.23, TLV):

Cast your burden on ADONAI, and He will sustain you.
He will never let the righteous be shaken.

Psalm 55:23, TLV (Psalm 55:22, customary)

Remember who it is He says you are

As a believer, if you have determined to love the LORD your God with all your heart, and follow Messiah Yeshua, you are part of a Holy Nation, the Royal Priesthood of believers. You have been saved, sanctified, set apart, and His promises go right along with that.

“Then it will happen, as a result of your listening to these ordinances, when you keep and do them, that ADONAI your God will keep with you the covenant kindness that He swore to your fathers. He will love you, bless you and multiply you. He will also bless the fruit of your womb and the produce of your soil, your grain and your new wine and your oil, the increase of your herds and the young of your flock, in the land that He swore to your fathers to give you. From all peoples, you will be blessed—there will not be male or female barren among you or your livestock. ADONAI will remove all sickness from you, and He will not inflict on you any of the terrible diseases of Egypt that you knew, but will inflict them on all who hate you.”

Deuteronomy 7:12-15, TLV

So remember, the LORD loves you, and He will honor your faithfulness.

Since you were precious in My sight,

You have been honored,

And I have loved you . . . .

Isaiah 43:4, NKJV

Have you been encouraged today? What are some of YOUR favorite Bible passages to get you through a tough time? Comment below! Shalom, mishpocha