December 13th - the Humble King

Reading of Scripture:

"Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey." (Zechariah 9:9)

Have you ever waited for something so long that when it finally arrived, it wasn't quite what you expected? Maybe it was a birthday present you'd been hoping for, or a long-anticipated vacation that didn't quite live up to your dreams. The people of Israel had been waiting for their promised king, their Messiah, for generations. They had visions of a powerful warrior riding in on a magnificent stallion to overthrow their oppressors.

But God's ways often surprise us. Through Zechariah, He painted a picture of a different kind of king – one who would come riding not on a war horse, but on a humble donkey. This wasn't just any king; this was a king who would be both "righteous and victorious" yet "lowly." It's a beautiful contradiction that perfectly describes Jesus, who would fulfill this prophecy hundreds of years later as He rode into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday.

In our world, power and humility rarely go hand in hand. We're used to seeing leaders who showcase their strength, their wealth, or their influence. But Jesus showed us a different way. He demonstrated that true strength isn't about domination but about service, not about taking but about giving. His kingdom operates on principles that often seem upside down to our human understanding.

This advent season, as we prepare our hearts to celebrate Christ's first coming, we're invited to embrace this paradox. Our king came not to be served, but to serve. He came not to condemn, but to save. And in doing so, He showed us what true victory looks like – victory through sacrifice, strength through gentleness, and leadership through service. Christ for the life of the World! 

Further Reading:

"Jesus called them together and said, 'You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.'" (Matthew 20:25-28)

Ask the Following Questions:

1. How does Jesus's example of humble leadership challenge the way you think about power and influence in your own life?

2. What are some practical ways you can follow Jesus's example of serving others during this Christmas season?

3. Consider the paradox of Christ being both "righteous and victorious" yet "lowly." How might this change the way you view your own struggles and victories?

Prayer:

Dear Father, thank you for sending Jesus, our humble King, who showed us what true greatness looks like. Help us to embrace His example of servant leadership in our own lives. During this advent season, give us hearts that are willing to serve others as Christ served us. Show us opportunities to demonstrate Your love through humble acts of service. Help us to find victory not in power or position, but in following Your Son's example of sacrificial love. In Jesus's name, Amen.