Today I Will Declare that I Will Restore You Double

This meditation is based on a passage for April 17, 2011 in the Daily Lectionary Year 1 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: Zechariah 9:9-12

Reflection and Question: The New Oxford Annotated Revised Standard Version indicates that this is a song celebrating the arrival of the king. It offers a few alternatives as to who that king might be. The Gospel writers are certain that this king is Jesus, and Matthew makes this explicit when he quotes Zechariah in his telling of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, which marks the beginning of Holy Week. I like the fact that the donkey is chosen over a war-horse, symbolizing that the king comes in peace. And I love God’s promise to restore us double. What do you want restored when Jesus commands peace?

Prayer: Hear our shouts of joy, dear Christ, as we celebrate Your coming triumphant and victorious, commanding peace to the nations. Our hope soars because of Your covenant that sets prisoners free and restores us to You. Thank you. Amen.