2 Tim 2:15 "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
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THE KING IS COMING
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8
Psalm 41:5-9
Matthew 27:1-10
“…the Lily of the valley.”
THE KING IS COMING
We are told that the time around the advent of Christ was one of great expectation for Israel. Many priests and teachers believed that the coming of the Messiah was near. But the Israelites were looking for a Messiah of their own making, not one as described in the Holy Scripture.
Long before the coming of the Saviour, Zechariah predicted that the Saviour would enter Jerusalem riding on a donkey (Zech 9:9). Once again the details of the prophecy are striking because they obviously could not have been clearly understood by the prophet. He spoke of the people rejoicing because their King was coming. And yet the King would not be on a great war horse nor riding in a chariot, nor would He hold a powerful position in this world. Instead the King would come in great humility on a donkey, a lowly beast of burden. Although Zechariah could not have fully understood the words of the prophecy, he faithfully recorded the message which the Holy Spirit gave him. His words were fulfilled when Christ entered Jerusalem as the Scripture said (Matt 21:5-7).
A great King demands complete loyalty and yet the Scripture prophesied that from among His twelve disciples one would betray Him (Ps 41:9). This was of course Judas Iscariot. Jesus used the very words of Scripture in referring to His coming betrayal (John 13:18). Even the exact price of the betrayal was foretold (Zech 11:12-13; Matt 27:9).
The Almighty God incarnate was betrayed by a close associate. He knew it would happen, yet He bore this indignity and went on to die for the sins of an uncaring world. His love was so great that no price was too high to pay for our sin. Even today, the Scripture still pleads for the sinner to repent and accept the Lord, for in Christ alone can eternal salvation be found (John 14:6).
THOUGHT: Why did Christ allow Judas to betray Him?
PRAYER: I thank Thee, Father, for Jesus who died to pay for my sins.