Zechariah 9:11

New International Version (NIV)

As for you, because of the blood of my covenant with you,
    I will free your prisoners from the waterless pit.

For Meditation

Who are we that the King of Glory would notice us? Who are we that He should consider our situation?

Having taken the highway to destruction in selfishness and rebellion, what claim was there for any of us? What right did we have with the Most High?

What hope did we have for eternity but utter darkness and destruction? Who, in all eternity, could get any of us beyond the grave into His Presence?

I heard Love say, “Yes, I will,” in that hopeless state! Mercy and grace shouted the agreement from eternity past to embrace Calvary to take away my sins and pave the way for the most excellent reconciliation of all time.

“Am I dreaming or what?” I said. “For, how could the Person I offended in the worst way consider such a painful and shameful rescue mission for my sake?”

But you smiled and came, anyway. You lived, dinned, and taught me. Yet, I betrayed you (Matthew 26:14-16; 47-49). I disappointed you when you needed me most (40). I deserted you when the detachment of soldiers came for you in the garden (56), and I swore with a curse that I never knew you (69-74). What a pathetic soul that I am! How could I deserve the grace of your suffering on the cross? Yet, you did it.

You endured my suffering and shame because Love had said “Yes,” bled and died because mercy and grace had kissed before time began. You buried my sins in the grave and drew me out of the bottomless pit in your resurrection—giving me victory over death, my tormentor for ages past.

In my wonder, you said to me, “I did it all for you. I have covenanted with you in my blood, and I will see you soon in My Father’s house. But until then, go call others to come and drink from my eternal fountain of love” (Matthew 28:19-20). With that, you left me to return to your Father. Israel missed you (Zech. 9:9-11, but I did not!

So, thank you for the Comforter you gave to chaperone us to the Wedding Feast of the Lamb (Rev. 19:9), beautifully adorned in your garment of righteousness (Isaiah 61:10). Thank you, that because of the covenant in your blood (Lk. 22:20), we can live with our heads held high; trusting in your faithful promises, and looking forward to that day, when you will drink the fruit of the vine anew with us in your Father, and our Father’s Kingdom (Matthew 26:29).

Until then, we will give you everything that we are and have. Sustain us by your grace until you return, our Lord and Savior King, for we are weak. Amen!

Pray With Me

I cannot thank you enough for your love and tender mercies. Your grace is overwhelming, and my soul has found a resting place in your Son, Jesus Christ, an undeserving sinner like me. I will eternally sing your praises with all your redeemed when your glory dawns on me. Let me enjoy the freshness of your compassion every day in Christ. Amen.