Zechariah
9:9-12 – Peace for the nations. Jerusalem has promised that her king is
coming to bring peace to the nations. Rejoice (v. 9). What is there to rejoice
about? Can we rejoice over the shortage of energy, the arms race, the pollution
of the earth, the racial unrest, and political corruption? God gives Israel
reason to rejoice — a world ruler is coming in peace for the peace of the
world. If we could have world peace, a world government of justice, a ruler of
compassion, we would have reason to shout with joy. Has this King not come in
Jesus? Christians should be a celebrating people.
God’s people are called to welcome their coming King
with joyful shouts. This is a preview to the depiction of the new Jerusalem as
the Bride of Christ. See Revelation 21:2
Says Luther, “Here
there is no violence, no armor, no power, no anger, no wrath. Here there is
only kindness, justice, salvation, mercy and every good thing.”
In His triumphal entry into Jerusalem Jesus gave
public proof that He is this promised King. See Matthew 21:1-11
A simple yet
heartfelt Prayer – “Almighty God, grant us a steadfast faith in
Jesus Christ, a cheerful hope in Your mercy, and a sincere love for You and one
another.”
Today is Independence Day. We give thanks to God for the freedoms we enjoy as society and nation. Especially this year we pray for those who have been placed in the position of leadership that by their guidance we may live our lives in quietness and peace.
Collect for humility - O God, You resist the proud and give grace to the humble. Grant us true humility after the likeness of Your only Son that we may never be arrogant and prideful and thus provoke Your wrath but in all lowliness be made partakers of the gifts of Your grace; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Collect for our nation – Almighty God, You have given us this good land as our heritage. Grant that we remember Your generosity and constantly do Your will. Bless our land with honest industry, truthful education, and an honorable way of life. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion, from pride and arrogance, and from every evil course of action. Make us who come from many nations with many different languages a untied people. Defend our liberties, and give those whom we have entrusted with the authority of government the spirit of wisdom that they may be justice and peace in our land. When times are prosperous, let our hearts be thankful. In troubled times do not let our trust in You fail; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen
Palm Sunday copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things
Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House
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