Easter Reflection on Zechariah 19

          As Easter approaches, a unique time of intense reflection follows. I think for many Christians, it can be somewhat easy to forget the magnitude of Jesus dying on the cross for our sins. We know the truth, however in our human bodies it can be hard to fully comprehend the weight of His choice.

          Previously, on Sunday, the sermon focused on the ninth chapter of Zechariah, verses 1-19. The promise of salvation, the prophecy of a Savior riding on a donkey, righteous and humble. This chapter reveals a glorious promise, a beacon of hope in a dark world. Written to the Israelites, it is a message of hope for all generations, a promise that has already been fulfilled. What a blessing it is to be eternally relieved of my burden of sin! Repentance and salvation are precious gifts, gifts given at the highest price. I am not worthy, I was never worthy to have them, yet He gave them freely. 1 Peter 2: 9 and 10 says, “But you are a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.” Written to the churches in the Roman empire of whom were mostly gentile Christians, these verses can appropriately describe the generations of Christians after them!  I am intentionally created, God chose me, and I belong to Him. His plan of salvation is intentional and I am now part of His holy nation.

          The Easter story doesn’t end with the death of our Lord. He rose again as promised, defeating sin and death and hell! Christ is victorious! The crucifixion and resurrection of the Son is love in action. God loved me so much He gave me the gift of new life through Him. For this Easter and the rest of our days, may we reflect on the gift given to us through terrible suffering and share the Good News with joy!