Read Zechariah 12:10-14
Recall the story of Jesus’ crucifixion. His side was pierced to make sure he had died. Another prophet also prophesied about it. Isaiah 53:5 says, “But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins.” Zechariah’s reference to our king being pierced speaks to how the people feel about it after the fact.
Zechariah speaks to the mourning the people will feel when they realize they have let their king be killed. The very one they had been waiting for to save them was now dead. Zechariah’s words come long before Jesus was even born, so the people wouldn’t understand what this all means.
Have you ever done something you regret? How do you deal with those feelings? Do you continue to stuff them hoping the feeling of remorse will just go away? Or, do you proactively seek to right the situation? Imagine the day when the people who crucified Jesus realize what they did.
Zechariah tells us that “someday” this will come to pass. The people who pierced their king will finally have their eyes opened. It’s all because of what God does. He will pour out his spirit of grace. Grace, it’s that gift from God we don’t deserve. Grace is love, forgiveness, and encouragement to do better all rolled up into one beautiful, unexplainable free gift.
I don’t think we’ve seen this prophecy fulfilled yet. I do know that each time I watch a depiction of the crucifixion I feel like I’m the one responsible. I know that sounds crazy, but I’m at least one of the lost souls that Jesus shed his blood for. I get emotional.
I am a child of God, washed in Jesus’ blood. That’s a bit gory, I know, but it grounds me to remember the price Jesus paid for me. All who trust Jesus are “washed in his blood.” Recall Hebrews 9:14: “Just think how much more the blood of Christ will purify our consciences from sinful deeds so that we can worship the living God. For by the power of the eternal Spirit, Christ offered himself to God as a perfect sacrifice for our sins.” Keeping that reminder fresh helps me stay focused and connected to God.
We don’t have to have regret or remorse because of the cross. Instead, we can enjoy the victory won that day. For those who do reject Jesus, then or now, remember they are the ones who one day will have to stand before the throne of God and state their case. Will they be mourning then? Will it be too late?
I don’t want to take the chance of not being included in the family of God. I have lived both in communion with Christ and distant from him. In my experience, it is much more rewarding to be a follower. When you start to see the blessings flow, you can’t help but want more. More of Jesus, not of the world. I really like how that works. Can you relate?
If you are struggling with some regret in your life that you just can’t get past, give it to Jesus. Ask him to help you work through the feelings of remorse so you can mend the situation in a way that honors God. You can be sure God wants to be reconciled with you and will draw closer to you in the process. It all starts with trusting Jesus.
Let’s pray. Father God, thank you for your grace. I sometimes don’t feel worthy. But then I remember the price you paid for me and realize I am one of your special children. Thank you that I can come to you and share my joys and my struggles. Forgive me for the times when I have strayed from you. It must be hard to have people who reject you. Use me to help them find you again. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
