Day 363: Zechariah 7-9; Revelation 19

"The bow of war will be removed, and he will proclaim peace to the nations." (Zechariah 9:10b, CSB)

Our monthly pastor's prayer gathering via Zoom contained a lesson on Hebrew parallelism, among other things (it was really a prayer meeting that was blessed with the presence of God and co-led by our own Pastor Walt). As we have been reading about Jerusalem in both Zechariah and Revelation, I have been pondering the promises and the path to their fulfillment...Jerusalem = the City of Peace, or the Path to Well-being, Wholeness and Completion. Clearly that has yet to happen, so I pray for the peace of Jerusalem now (Psalm 122:6). The famous prophecy of Zechariah 9:9-10 quoted in the Gospels reflecting on the Triumphal Entry of Jesus prior to Good Friday, reminds me that Jesus came to bring the conquest of shalom (not war). Back to that Hebrew parallelism. We were reminded that it is climactic...it builds up to the resting place, the conclusion of the parallel. Here is the verse that was refenced in that lesson: "He [Jesus] will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6b, CSB). The foundational reality of His Kingdom is shalom (peace...no conflict AND total well-being in all God's fulness and provision). War will be removed and peace will reign among the ethnicities of the world. Let it be so, O Prince of Peace!

2 Comments


Natalie Barringer - December 29th, 2023 at 9:26am

A little off this message- many years ago, an old Sunday School teacher fleshed out those great names for Jesus, in a series of lessons. "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God..." It gave me some real food for thought, at the time. Thanks, John Denbleyker.

- December 30th, 2023 at 8:42pm

So grateful for those who invest in discipling children and youth. Thank God for committed Sunday School teachers!

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