Like so many prophets before him, Zechariah warns the religious leaders of Jerusalem that their practice has been empty and meaningless, and has brought them into judgement. Pious words have gone alongside unjust and self – serving actions, and it is for the mismatch, as well as the actions, that they will be judged.
Then he gives the great promise that future salvation will not be for the Jews alone, but for the many of all nations who will learn to serve Israel’s God. And this will come when the Messiah comes to bring lasting peace,
Rejoice greatly, O daughter Zion!
Shout aloud, O daughter Jerusalem!
Lo, your king comes to you;
triumphant and victorious is he,
humble and riding on a donkey,
on a colt, the foal of a donkey. (Zechariah 9:9)
If, as I believe, we see this fulfilled in Jesus and through the mission of the church, that carries with it an assumption that we as a church will be a people whose life together is seen to promote peace and justice. May that be so.
Random and occasional thoughts from South Manchester
Nick Watson 