The Horn of Salvation: Embracing Salvation's Promise

68 “Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, For He has visited and redeemed His people, 69 And has raised up a horn of salvation for us In the house of His servant David, 70 As He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets, Who have been since the world began, 71 That we should be saved from our enemies And from the hand of all who hate us, 72 To perform the mercy promised to our fathers And to remember His holy covenant, 73 The oath which He swore to our father Abraham: 74 To grant us that we, Being delivered from the hand of our enemies, Might serve Him without fear, 75 In holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our life. 76 “And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest; For you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways, 77 To give knowledge of salvation to His people By the remission of their sins, 78 Through the tender mercy of our God, With which the Dayspring from on high has visited us; 79 To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, To guide our feet into the way of peace.”

John 12:12–16 CEB

12 The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. 13 They took palm branches and went out to meet him. They shouted, “Hosanna! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessings on the king of Israel!” 14 Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, just as it is written, 15 Don’t be afraid, Daughter Zion. Look! Your king is coming, sitting on a donkey’s colt. 16 His disciples didn’t understand these things at first. After he was glorified, they remembered that these things had been written about him and that they had done these things to him.

Imagine standing on the edge of a vast ocean, the waves crashing against the shore with a relentless rhythm. The salty breeze carries whispers of ancient stories—tales of longing and hope, of a people waiting for a promised deliverer.

In the pages of history, there echoes a cry—a cry for salvation. Generation after generation, hearts yearned for a hero to rise, a beacon of light in a world veiled by shadows. This cry was not one of mere words but of deep-seated longing, etched into the very fabric of human existence.

Today, we embark on a journey through time and scripture, guided by the resounding echo of a horn—a symbol of power, proclamation, and promise. We gather not as spectators but as participants in a story of divine intervention and eternal love.

Zechariah’s song, often associated with Advent, holds a profound relevance to Palm Sunday. On this day, known as the triumphal entry, we find the account in John 12 where Jesus enters Jerusalem riding on a donkey, greeted by shouts of "Hosanna!" This word, "Hosanna," carries a plea for salvation—"Save us!"—reflecting the hopeful anticipation of the people as they anticipate what Jesus will accomplish in Jerusalem. Their symbolic act of spreading coats and palm branches on the ground signifies their acknowledgment of Jesus as the Lord who is coming to them.

It might seem unexpected to pair Zechariah’s song with Palm Sunday, but there's a significant connection. In Zechariah’s song, he speaks prophetically over his infant son, who later becomes known as John the Baptist. Zechariah declares, “You, my child, will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him" (Luke 1:76). This proclamation echoes the preparation happening on Palm Sunday as people prepare the way for Jesus.

When we explore these texts together, a profound truth emerges: salvation has arrived! Amidst the cries for a savior on Palm Sunday, Jesus, the Savior, makes his entrance. This day embodies hope and beauty—the convergence of our cry for salvation and the Savior's response.

As we join in the chorus of "Save us!" on this Palm Sunday, we celebrate the reality that the Savior has indeed come to rescue and redeem us. It is in this intersection of human longing and divine intervention that we find the essence of Palm Sunday—a day of rejoicing in the presence of our Savior.

The Prophetic Promise of Salvation

Zechariah and Elizabeth, despite their old age and longing for a child, remained childless. Their hearts echoed with the unfulfilled desire for a family. Then, in a moment that defied all expectations, the angel Gabriel appeared to Zechariah with incredible news—they would have a child.

However, Zechariah, stunned by the miraculous announcement, struggled to believe. His doubt led Gabriel to silence him until the day the promised child, John, would be born. This silence was not just a physical inability to speak; it was a silent waiting, a period of anticipation and reflection, leading to the fulfillment of God's promise.

It wasn’t until 8 days following the birth of his son that Zechariah was able to speak and he spoke the name of his son, which was John.

Just as Zechariah waited in silence for the fulfillment of God's promise of a child, the world waited in anticipation for the arrival of the Messiah. This period of waiting was a time of preparation, both for Zechariah and for humanity, as they awaited the fulfillment of God's plan.

Zechariah's silence allowed him time for reflection and deepening his faith. Can you imagine being suddenly unable to speak? You would try to open your mouth to say something and nothing comes out. You wait in hopes that the doctors can figure out what is going on and how to fix it.

Similarly, the period of waiting for Jesus allowed people to reflect on the prophecies and promises concerning the coming Messiah, strengthening their faith and hope in God's plan of salvation.

The silence of Zechariah until John's birth was a reminder of God's perfect timing. Likewise, the timing of Jesus' arrival was part of God's divine plan, emphasizing the importance of patience and trust in God's sovereignty.

Zechariah's silence ended with the birth of John, marking the transition from waiting to fulfillment. Similarly, the coming of Jesus marked the fulfillment of centuries-old prophecies and the beginning of God's redemptive work in the world.

Elizabeth, Zachariah’s wife has a different story to tell.

Elizabeth's joy at the news of her impending child was immense, a fulfillment of her long-held desire for motherhood. When her cousin Mary, who would become the mother of Jesus, visited her during her sixth month of pregnancy, a profound and sacred moment occurred. Mary, herself pregnant with the Christ child, came into Elizabeth's presence. In a miraculous testimony to the divine presence, the baby in Elizabeth's womb leaped with joy at the nearness of the Christ child.

This moment encapsulates the deep spiritual connection between John the Baptist, who would prepare the way for Jesus, and Jesus Himself, even before their births. It underscores the divine orchestration of events leading to the arrival of the Messiah and the profound significance of these two children in God's redemptive plan.

Zachariah’s Song of Salvation

Zachariah breaks out into song as soon as his son is named. His song is in two parts. The first is about Salvation through the coming Messiah.

Luke 1:67–75 NKJV

67 Now his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying: 68 “Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, For He has visited and redeemed His people, 69 And has raised up a horn of salvation for us In the house of His servant David, 70 As He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets, Who have been since the world began, 71 That we should be saved from our enemies And from the hand of all who hate us, 72 To perform the mercy promised to our fathers And to remember His holy covenant, 73 The oath which He swore to our father Abraham: 74 To grant us that we, Being delivered from the hand of our enemies, Might serve Him without fear, 75 In holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our life.

Zechariah's song is filled with prophetic imagery and promises, providing a vivid picture of the Messiah's impending entrance and the fulfillment of God's covenant. Beyond its future direction, the song contains a meaningful message for believers in the present. Just as Zechariah joyfully anticipated the arrival of the Savior, we are urged to embrace a current reality of hope and confidence through our faith in Jesus Christ.

The rich symbolism and words in Zechariah's song represent the long-awaited Messiah who will bring deliverance, redemption, and peace to God's people. This vision of a future filled with God's promises realized is more than just a distant hope; it is a living reality that influences our daily lives.

As we navigate life's trials and uncertainties, we can rely on the hope and certainty that Jesus Christ provides. His presence in our life changes our perspective, giving each moment purpose and meaning. We are reminded that the same God who has kept His promises in the past is still faithful today and will be in the future.

As a result, Zechariah's song is both a testament to the fulfillment of God's covenant through the coming of Jesus Christ and an encouragement to believers today. It encourages us to live with confidence and trust, knowing that our hope is not in vain, but is firmly rooted in our Savior's everlasting constancy.

This song commemorates God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises throughout history, from Abraham to the present. This emphasizes the continual aspect of God's intervention in the world, both in the past, present, and beyond. As we think on Zechariah's song, we see that God is still at work in our lives and the world today.

The themes of redemption, rescue, and deliverance in Zechariah's song are not only future dreams, but also current realities for believers. Through Jesus Christ, we are forgiven of our sins, set free from bonds, and restored to God. This current reality of salvation affects our lives and enables us to live in the fullness of God's grace every day.

Zechariah's song is a statement of God's goodness and faithfulness, both past and present. It inspires us to join in singing God's praises and spreading the good news of salvation with others, certain that the same God who fulfilled His promises in the past is now working wonders in our lives today.

Zechariah's song anticipates a future hope while simultaneously emphasizing the current reality of God's faithfulness, intervention, and salvation in the lives of Christians. It encourages us to live with hope, assurance, and a genuine appreciation for God's continual work in our lives.

After invoking the legacy of the prophets of old, Zechariah turns his attention to the prophetic role of his son, John. In verse 76, he declares that John will not only be a prophet but will also go before the Lord to prepare His way. This declaration is a direct reference to the prophecies found in Malachi 3:1 and Isaiah 40:3, which speak of a messenger preparing the way for the Lord's coming.

In Mark 1, we witness the fulfillment of Zechariah's prophecy as John the Baptist indeed fulfills his role by preparing the hearts of the people for the arrival of Jesus. Through his preaching and baptism of repentance, John points people toward Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah.

The focus of Zechariah's song then shifts to the Messiah Himself. In verse 77, Zechariah speaks of the Messiah's mission—to offer salvation and forgiveness to God's people. This highlights the central message of Jesus' ministry on earth, emphasizing His role as the Savior who brings redemption and reconciliation.

The motivation behind God's actions, as expressed in verse 78, is His boundless mercy. It is God's mercy that drives His plan of salvation, demonstrating His compassion and love for humanity.

The song concludes by looking forward to the coming of the Messiah as a beacon of light in the darkness. This imagery symbolizes the hope and guidance that Jesus brings, leading His people out of darkness and into the path of peace. It is a vision of spiritual enlightenment and transformation, where the light of Christ illuminates the way to true peace and reconciliation with God.

As we reflect on Zechariah's prophetic song, we are reminded of the long-awaited arrival of the promised Savior. Zechariah's words, echoing ancient predictions, alluded to a future of salvation, forgiveness, and the appearance of the light of God's presence. This anticipation and hope were realized through Jesus Christ's life and work.

Now, let us turn our attention to a pivotal stage in Jesus' journey: his triumphant entry into Jerusalem. This incident culminates millennia of predictions and marks the start of Jesus' final trip to fulfill His mission. As we examine the tale of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, evaluate how it represents the promises and hope prophesied by Zechariah and other prophets of old.

John 12:12–13 NKJV

12 The next day a great multitude that had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, 13 took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, and cried out: “Hosanna! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ The King of Israel!”

From Prophecy to Reality: Fulfilling Zechariah's Vision

John 12:12–13 CEB

The narrative of Jesus's triumphal entry into Jerusalem, as recounted in John 12, may not directly parallel the song of Zechariah in Luke 1, yet there are significant connections and insights we can glean from comparing these passages.

The scene of Jesus's entry into Jerusalem is filled with anticipation and longing among the people. The cry of "Hosanna," meaning "Save us!" reflects their deep desire for a savior, someone who would deliver them from their earthly troubles and establish a kingdom where they could worship without fear.

However, it's crucial to note that the people's expectations of salvation were rooted in their own interpretations of what the prophets had promised. They were looking for a political and military leader who would overthrow their oppressors and restore their temporal power and security. Their concept of salvation was limited to an earthly kingdom, devoid of the spiritual depth and eternal significance that Jesus's salvation truly brings.

In this juxtaposition, we see a contrast between the people's earthly-focused expectations and Jesus's divine mission of bringing salvation on a much deeper level—a salvation that transcends political boundaries and temporal concerns. Jesus came not to establish an earthly kingdom of power and prestige but to inaugurate a kingdom of God's love, grace, and spiritual freedom.

As we reflect on these connections, we are reminded of the importance of aligning our expectations with God's divine plan. Jesus's triumphal entry challenges us to reexamine our notions of salvation and to embrace the profound depth of His redemptive work in our lives—a work that extends far beyond earthly kingdoms and temporal desires.

The symbolism of the palm branches and the donkey in Jesus's triumphal entry into Jerusalem carries a profound message of peace. While the people's expectation of peace was often tied to the idea of a violent revolution and political upheaval, their underlying desire was ultimately for peace. This longing for peace, even if misguided in its means, reveals the cry of their hearts for a resolution to conflict and a restoration of harmony.

However, amidst their fervor for peace, the people missed recognizing the true Messiah in their midst. Their focus on a political leader blinded them to the spiritual reality of Jesus as the Savior. This pattern of missing God's activity due to preconceived notions is not new—it echoes back to the time of Jesus's birth, where many missed the significance of God's presence in the humble form of a baby.

Both the account in John 12 and the song of Zechariah in Luke 1 carry a vital message: people often seek salvation and peace but fail to recognize when salvation has already arrived. The people at the triumphal entry were looking for a political savior, just as many had missed the Savior's birth because they were not expecting God's intervention in such a humble manner.

This highlights the importance of having open hearts and minds to God's unexpected ways of working in our lives. Salvation often comes in ways we least expect, and it requires us to let go of our preconceived notions and be attuned to God's presence and activity in every aspect of our lives. As we reflect on these texts, may we be reminded to seek God's salvation and peace with open hearts, ready to embrace His divine work in ways that surpass our human understanding.

God in Our Midst

It's easy to become fixated on our own ideas of how God should work, often missing the subtle and unexpected ways in which God is already active and working among us.

The arrival of both John the Baptist and Jesus the Messiah challenged people's expectations in profound ways. John, growing up as a wild man in the wilderness, called people to repentance and prepared the way for Jesus, whose life and ministry defied conventional norms. Jesus, born into poverty and humility, did not conform to the earthly kingship that many anticipated. Instead, He embraced those considered unclean, advocated for peace, and ushered in a kingdom based on love and humility rather than power and might.

Jesus's approach to salvation was revolutionary, bringing about redemption through love and sacrificial acts that defied conventional expectations.

Reflecting on Jesus's ongoing work in our lives, we can see glimpses of salvation in unexpected places and moments. From moments of grace and forgiveness to experiences of healing and transformation, Jesus continues to bring about salvation in our lives every day.

Letting go of our preconceived notions about who Jesus should be is essential in truly embracing the reality of who He is. This means laying down our expectations and biases to welcome Jesus as the compassionate, loving Savior He reveals Himself to be.

f. As followers of Christ, we are called to prepare the way for the good news of Jesus to be shared in our world. This involves making straight paths by living out the gospel message through our words, actions, and relationships, creating opportunities for others to encounter the life-changing power of Christ's love and salvation.

The Horn of Salvation

As we gather on this Palm Sunday, marking the sixth Sunday in the Lenten season, we find ourselves in a similar posture to that of Advent. Like in Advent, we come with longing hearts, eagerly anticipating God's saving grace. We plead with God to intervene, to fulfill the promises made, to remember us, and to hear our cries for help.

The good news that resonates with us today echoes the joyous tidings of Christmas: God has indeed come! God has remembered us, heard our prayers, and answered our calls for salvation. The very salvation we yearn for is already unfolding in our midst, if only we have the eyes to perceive it.

As we raise our voices in loud hosannas today, let us fully embrace the reality that salvation has already dawned upon us. Our hope is not in vain, for God's saving power is at work, transforming lives and bringing forth redemption. May this realization fill us with renewed faith, assurance, and gratitude as we journey forward with hope and trust in the God who saves.

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