The King’s Arrival: Prophecy Fulfilled “the Triumphal Entry”

The King’s Arrival: Prophecy Fulfilled “the Triumphal Entry”

In Zechariah 9:9, the prophecy states:

“Rejoice greatly, O people of Zion (Jerusalem and the Jews), shout for joy, O people of Jerusalem: your King is coming to you; He is just and brings salvation, humble, and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”

 

This prophecy speaks of the arrival of Israel’s promised King (Isaiah 9:6-7), which was fulfilled during Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, marking the beginning of the Holy Week leading up to Easter (Resurrection Day). Jesus rode a colt into the city, as described in the prophecy, which was written around 500 years earlier.

 

The Triumphal Entry

‘So those who were sent went their way and found it just as He had said to them. But as they were loosing the colt, the owners of it said to them, “Why are you loosing the colt?” Then they brought him to Jesus. And they threw their own clothes on the colt, and they set Jesus on him. And as He went, many spread their clothes on the road. Then, as He was now drawing near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works they had seen, saying: “ ‘Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord !’ Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” And some of the Pharisees called to Him from the crowd, “Teacher, rebuke Your disciples.” But He answered and said to them, “I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out.”’

Luke 19:32-33,35-40

 

Fulfilling Prophecy and Covenants: The Triumphal Entry and Its Significance in the Holy Week

 

The Abrahamic covenant (Genesis 12:1–3) and the Davidic covenant (2 Samuel 7:12-16) are significant in understanding the fulfillment of this prophecy. The Abrahamic covenant is the promise God made to Abraham that he would become the father of many nations, and through his descendants (would come the savior of the world, Jesus, and), all nations of the earth would be blessed. The Davidic covenant is the promise God made to King David, stating that his descendants would have an everlasting kingdom. Lastly, Isaiah 9:6-7, again establishes that Israel’s promised King, Jesus the Christ (Messiah), the Son of God, will rule from David’s throne in Jerusalem forever! Praise God!

 

By connecting these covenants and promises to Zechariah 9:9, we can see that the prophecy demonstrates the fulfillment of God’s promises to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and King David. The arrival of the promised King of Israel in the form of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem shows that God kept His promises to His people. The covenants and the prophecy all point to the same conclusion: the coming of a just and righteous King who would bring salvation and establish an everlasting kingdom (which will be still future and be fulfilled at the Lord’s second coming). This event is a pivotal moment in the Holy Week, as it sets the stage for Jesus’ crucifixion, burial, and resurrection, which is at the core of Christianity and the culmination of all that God does.

 

https://mesabiblestudy.com/resurrection-day-matthew-28/

Want to Be Happy? Have Joy in the Lord and Be Happy

Want to Be Happy? Have Joy in the Lord and Be Happy

Joy and happiness are often used interchangeably, but there is a distinct difference between the two. Happiness is a temporary feeling of pleasure that is often dependent on our circumstances. Joy, on the other hand, is a deep-seated sense of contentment and peace (Romans 5:1) that comes from our relationship with God.

 

‘Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, ‘

Romans 5:1

 

The Bible talks about joy in several verses, including Psalm 16:11, which says, “You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” This verse emphasizes that joy comes from being in the presence of God, not from external circumstances.

 

Another verse that distinguishes between joy and happiness is Romans 15:13, which says, “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” This verse shows that joy and peace come from believing (or having faith in) what? The gospel, and being indwelled with the power of the Holy Spirit, not from anything external.

 

In Galatians 5:22-23, joy is listed as one of the fruits of the Spirit, emphasizing that it is a spiritual attribute. James 1:2-3 also speaks about joy in the midst of trials, showing that joy can be present even when circumstances are difficult.

 

‘But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. ‘

Galatians 5:22-23

 

‘My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. ‘

James 1:2-3

 

While happiness is a good thing, it is fleeting and dependent on external factors; Money in the bank, bills paid, a nice running car, etc. But the moment the bank account is at zero, bills are piling up and the car breaks down happiness is out the window. Joy, on the other hand, is a deep-seated contentment that comes from our faith in and relationship with God. As believers, we can experience joy (and be happy) even in difficult circumstances because we know that God is with us and that He is working all things together for our good (Romans 8:28).

 

‘And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. ‘

Romans 8:28

 

Pushing Through a Tough Day by Trusting God

Pushing Through a Tough Day by Trusting God

Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

 

This passage reminds us to trust in God completely and not rely on our own limited understanding. Sometimes, we may not understand why we are going through difficult situations, but we can trust that God has a plan for us and that He will guide us through it.

 

In Philippians 4:13, the Apostle Paul writes, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

 

This verse reminds us that we can face any challenge with the strength that comes from Christ Who is our Redeemer, the Creator, and sustainer of everything, all Mighty Sovereign, Son of God, Who is God. So no matter how hard our day may be, we can trust in God’s power and find the strength we need to push through.

 

Let us pray:

Heavenly Father, we come to you today in Jesus’ name, and with thanksgiving asking for your strength and wisdom as we face the challenges of the day. Help us to trust in you completely, knowing that you have a plan for us and that you will guide us through every difficulty. Give us the strength we need to push through any obstacles that come our way and help us to rely on your wisdom rather than our own understanding. We thank you for your love and your grace, and we trust in your power to carry us through this day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Rejoicing in God’s Steadfast Love and Faithfulness

Rejoicing in God’s Steadfast Love and Faithfulness

Two Bible Verses to Start your Day!

God’s love for us does not waiver!

 

Verse 1: Psalm 136:1 “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.”

Verse 2: Philippians 4:4 “Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, rejoice.”

 

In Psalm 136, the writer repeatedly declares the steadfast love of the Lord throughout the entire chapter. This love does not change, it does not waver, and it endures forever. We can take comfort in knowing that no matter what we face in life, God’s love for us remains steadfast and true. He will never abandon us or leave us to face our struggles alone.

 

Paul echoes this sentiment in Philippians 4:4 when he tells us to rejoice in the Lord always. No matter what challenges we may face, we can choose to rejoice in the fact that we have a loving God who is always with us.

 

So, as we start our day, let us take a moment to give thanks to the Lord for his steadfast love and faithfulness. Let us rejoice in the fact that we serve a God who is always with us, no matter what. And let us face the day ahead with confidence, knowing that we can trust in God’s unwavering love for us.

Heavenly Father, we thank you in Jesus name for your steadfast love and faithfulness. Help us to rejoice in your presence today and trust in your plan for our lives. Give us the strength and courage to face whatever challenges may come our way, knowing that we are never alone. Amen.

Trusting in God’s Plan: The Promise of Israel’s Salvation in Romans 11:25

Trusting in God’s Plan: The Promise of Israel’s Salvation in Romans 11:25

‘For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. ‘

Romans 11:25

 

In Romans 11, Paul emphasizes that God has not forgotten His people, the Nation of Israel. Though they have been set aside for a time, God will return to them when He is finished with His work with the Gentiles. Paul does not want believers to be ignorant of this secret. In the Greek language, the word for “mystery” is musterion, which means “secret”. These mysteries that Paul speaks of were never revealed before in any of God’s dealings with mankind. You won’t find them in the Old Testament, Christ’s earthly ministry, or even the early parts of Acts. They were revelations that God kept secret from the beginning of human history. We must study the Scriptures, so we are not ignorant of these mysteries. Deuteronomy 29:29 says, “The secret things belong unto the Lord our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children forever”. God has not changed His mind about His plan for Israel and for us as members of the body of Christ.

 

Romans 11:25 reveals a mystery that was not revealed before – the spiritual blindness of Israel. This blindness is only temporary and will be lifted when God is finished with His work with the Gentiles and the body of Christ is raptured. Then God will turn His attention back to His chosen people and bring to culmination the 490 years prophecied in Daniel 9, and fulfill the promises He made to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and David of a King and kingdom.

 

This verse cautions grace-age believers against being wise in our own conceits and urges us not to be ignorant of this mystery. As we await the fullness of the Gentiles, we should remember that God will fulfill the promises He made Israel and that their spiritual blindness is not forever. Let us pray for the salvation of Israel and eagerly await the day when they will see the Lord Jesus at His second coming and recognize Him as their Messiah, their promised King.

 

God will Fulfill His Promise to Israel

 

There are hundreds of verses that clearly state that God will fulfill the promises He made to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and David. These were unconditional promises that God made to Israel. Below is just a handful.

 

‘Now I say that Jesus Christ has become a servant to the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made to the fathers, ‘

Romans 15:8

 

‘Then I will punish their transgression with the rod, And their iniquity with stripes. Nevertheless My lovingkindness I will not utterly take from him, Nor allow My faithfulness to fail. My covenant I will not break, Nor alter the word that has gone out of My lips. Once I have sworn by My holiness; I will not lie to David: His seed shall endure forever, And his throne as the sun before Me; It shall be established forever like the moon, Even like the faithful witness in the sky.” Selah’

Psalms 89:32-37

‘“For you are a holy people to the Lord your God; the Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth. The Lord did not set His love on you nor choose you because you were more in number than any other people, for you were the least of all peoples; but because the Lord loves you, and because He would keep the oath which He swore to your fathers, the Lord has brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you from the house of bondage, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. “Therefore know that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments; ‘

Deuteronomy 7:6-9

‘“Behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord, “That I will raise to David a Branch of righteousness; A King shall reign and prosper, And execute judgment and righteousness in the earth. In His days Judah will be saved, And Israel will dwell safely; Now this is His name by which He will be called: THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS. “Therefore, behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord , “that they shall no longer say, ‘As the Lord lives who brought up the children of Israel from the land of Egypt,’ but, ‘As the Lord lives who brought up and led the descendants of the house of Israel from the north country and from all the countries where I had driven them.’ And they shall dwell in their own land.”’

Jeremiah 23:5-8

‘Behold, I will gather them out of all countries where I have driven them in My anger, in My fury, and in great wrath; I will bring them back to this place, and I will cause them to dwell safely. They shall be My people, and I will be their God; then I will give them one heart and one way, that they may fear Me forever, for the good of them and their children after them. And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from doing them good; but I will put My fear in their hearts so that they will not depart from Me. Yes, I will rejoice over them to do them good, and I will assuredly plant them in this land, with all My heart and with all My soul.’ “For thus says the Lord: ‘Just as I have brought all this great calamity on this people, so I will bring on them all the good that I have promised them. And fields will be bought in this land of which you say, “ It is desolate, without man or beast; it has been given into the hand of the Chaldeans.” Men will buy fields for money, sign deeds and seal them, and take witnesses, in the land of Benjamin, in the places around Jerusalem, in the cities of Judah, in the cities of the mountains, in the cities of the lowland, and in the cities of the South; for I will cause their captives to return,’ says the Lord .”’

Jeremiah 32:37-44