But Jesus the Messiah and King does not arrive on a warhorse of vengeance and slaughter - instead he comes humbly, on the prophesied colt...in peace. Jesus does not come to SLAY those who are opposed to his reign, but to DIE for them on the cross. Jesus humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death, emptying himself to rescue his people from judgement, from status quo religious systems, from the destructive effects of other Messiahs, and from the bleak prospect of the grave. And for this, Jesus was exalted by God so that he deserves every knee that bends and every tongue that confesses his kingship.
“Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord”, shout the disciples! As our king, Jesus leads us to abundant life – to the peace that comes from forgiveness, to the harmony that comes from aligning ourselves with God's purposes, to the justice that comes from respect for self and others, to the hope that comes from the promise of a resurrected life that will not end.
Gracious God, we thank you for your Son, Jesus Christ our Messiah and Lord. Help us to highly exalt him through our lives, giving you glory in his name. Amen.