A Reflection by Roy Pearson
Every so often the Daily Office readings weave together themes that speak with remarkable clarity into our moment. Today’s passages—Psalm 118, Zechariah 9, 1 Peter 3, and Matthew 21—lift up a single, radiant truth: God’s salvation comes to us through a humble, righteous King whose way is peace, courage, and faithful love.
We are invited not only to behold this King, but to let His manner of ruling reshape our hearts in a world full of fear, conflict, and spiritual distraction.
The God Who Meets Us in Distress (Psalm 118)
Psalm 118 is a song of thanksgiving from someone who has been pressed on every side. Enemies surround, fears threaten, and yet the psalmist declares:
“His steadfast love endures forever.”
This is not sentimental optimism—it is trust forged in suffering.
The psalm celebrates a God who hears, rescues, and sets His people in a spacious place. The psalmist proclaims that God often works through the rejected and overlooked:
“The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.”
In a world that prizes strength, visibility, and dominance, Psalm 118 reminds us that God delights to lift up what the world dismisses. His salvation often comes in ways we least expect.
The King Who Brings Peace (Zechariah 9:9–16)
Zechariah speaks to a worn-down people longing for freedom and stability. Into their uncertainty comes a prophetic vision:
“Behold, your king comes to you;
humble and riding on a donkey.”
This King will not conquer through force or intimidation. He brings peace to the nations and freedom to prisoners. He gathers His people and makes them shine like jewels in a crown.
This prophetic picture points directly to Jesus—and offers a stark contrast to the power structures of our day.
True authority is humble. True peace is given, not imposed. True salvation is rooted in God’s covenant love.
Courage When Doing Good Comes at a Cost (1 Peter 3:13–22)
Peter writes to believers who face misunderstanding and hostility. He doesn’t promise an easy path. Instead, he says:
“Even if you suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed.”
Peter reminds us to:
- Honor Christ as Lord in our hearts.
- Be ready to give an answer for our hope.
- Speak with gentleness and reverence.
- Keep a clear conscience.
In an anxious and polarized world, 1 Peter calls us not to fear—but to live courageously, speak wisely, and endure faithfully, knowing that Christ Himself has walked this road and now reigns in victory.
The King Enters and Cleanses (Matthew 21:1–13)
In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus fulfills Zechariah’s prophecy as He rides into Jerusalem on a donkey. The crowds shout Psalm 118:
“Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!”
But Jesus does not simply receive their praise—He goes straight to the temple and confronts the corruption within it.
He overturns tables, drives out exploitation, and declares:
“My house shall be called a house of prayer.”
Whenever Jesus draws near, He brings both comfort and cleansing.
He comes to save, but He also comes to set things right—beginning with the heart.
One Message, Four Voices
Taken together, today’s readings offer a unified and timely word:
God’s King comes in humility, not force.
He enters gently, listens deeply, and rules in peace.
God’s salvation lifts the rejected and restores the broken.
The cornerstone is rejected before it is exalted.
God’s people are called to courage, purity, and trust.
We are to answer hostility with gentleness, suffering with faith, worship with sincerity.
God’s presence still confronts what distorts our hearts.
Wherever Jesus is welcomed, He brings cleansing and renewal.
A Word for Today
We live in a world strained by conflict, fear, and noise. Power is often loud, and righteousness can feel fragile. But these Scriptures remind us:
Christ rules in humility.
Christ brings peace.
Christ walks with those who suffer for good.
Christ cleanses His temple—especially the temple of the heart.
As we welcome Him—again and again—may our lives become houses of prayer, places where His peace, courage, and steadfast love can be seen.
Hosanna.
Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord.
The Curious Pilgrims 