I Have a Dream
“... He will proclaim peace to the nations. His rule will extend from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth.”
Today’s Text: Zechariah 9:9-17 (Living Life Daily Devotional)
Today’s passage is a powerful dream and prophecy of hope and restoration for God’s people. It begins with a joyful announcement of the coming King who will enter Jerusalem humbly, while riding a donkey. Of course, this prophecy will later be fulfilled in the New Testament when Jesus enters Jerusalem, riding on a donkey (Matthew 21). There is a difference with this coming King. Unlike other rulers who would usually commit violence to conquer other nations, this King will only bring peace to the nations and establish His rule over all the earth. God then promises His people that they will be freed from captivity. God will defend His people and they will shine like jewels in His crown, displaying His glory and favor.
During the height of the American Civil Rights movement in the 1960s, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. led a nation towards justice not through violence but through peace and love. When African-Americans unjustly faced deep discrimination and racism, Dr. King followed the example of Jesus Christ and responded with compassion and love. When supporters of the Civil Rights movement were beaten, arrested, and persecuted, Dr. King urged the people to respond not with hatred but with love and forgiveness. A Baptist minister and a devout Christian, he often reflected upon Jesus’ command to love our enemies and to bless those that curse us. Even when his own home was bombed and his own life was threatened, Dr. King continued to preach love over violence. Today, when we reflect upon Dr. King’s peaceful marches, speeches, and courage, it is certainly obvious it made a transformative change in the conscience of the American people and inspired lasting change.
God’s kingdom is eternal and that lasting place of peace is built not through power, pride, or violence but through humility, peace, and faith. Jesus rode into Jerusalem not to conquer his enemies with weapons but to conquer their hearts with love and compassion. As followers of Christ, just like Dr. King, we are called to reflect that same spirit in our home, workplace, and communities. When others wrong us, we should seek to respond with grace. When the world feels divided, we should be the peacemakers. When life feels unfair, we can still trust in God who still reigns as our King and will one day bring complete restoration and peace. Let our heart see filled with humility, forgiveness, and hope and let love define how we act and respond to others.
Almighty Father in Heaven, You are the humble King of Kings who brings peace to a broken world. Thank You Jesus for showing us the true power that is found in love and humility. Help us to follow Your example, responding to conflict, crisis, criticism, with grace. To forgive when it is difficult to forgive. To stand for what is right with courage and compassion. Teach and lead us to be an instrument of Your peace in our home, our church, and our communities. May our life reflect the hope and victory that comes from seeking and serving You. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
