Devotional Thoughts Based on the Glory to God Hymnal

Zechariah 9:9

Rejoice greatly, O daughter Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter Jerusalem! Lo, your King come to you; triumphant and glorious is he, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

It was customary for a King to ride a horse, especially as he returned home victorious after battle and a conquest. Jesus will enter Jerusalem, as the prophet Zechariah envisioned riding in humility astride a donkey.

When I was living in Virginia, I took horseback riding lessons at Salem College. I enjoyed learning how to ride and how not to! I was gaining some proficiency in this sport. One day I was riding, and I got too close to another horse and its rider. My horse took off and it seemed he did not know the meaning of “Whoa!” I did regain control and was able to slow him down. Life lesson: it is good to maintain some social distancing when horseback riding. Failure to do so can lead to your life flashing before your eyes. Who knows, maybe riding a donkey is my speed.

This hymn is a Palm Sunday hymn and it most likely is edged out by “All Glory Laud and Honor” and “Hosanna, Loud Hosanna”. It is a good hymn foretelling Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. It is a good hymn and perhaps we would do well on that festival day to include it or else choose it over the others to be a second hymn.

Prayer

O God, we are gifted with more hymns than there are opportunities to sing them some days. We thank You for hymns that help us celebrate great days of the Christian year. We can imagine ourselves amongst the crowd hailing Jesus entry into the Holy City. Hosanna, “God save us!” is still a cry we offer even as we also shout “Hallelujah, Praise the Lord”. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.