Monday after Exaudi

Scripture: Zechariah 13:7-9 (NKJV)

7 “Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, against the Man who is My Companion,” says the Lord of hosts. “Strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered; Then I will turn My hand against the little ones.

8 And it shall come to pass in all the land,” says the Lord, “That two-thirds in it shall be cut off and die, but one–third shall be left in it:

9 I will bring the one–third through the fire, will refine them as silver is refined, and test them as gold is tested. They will call on My name, and I will answer them. I will say, ‘This is My people’; And each one will say, ‘The Lord is my God.'”

Devotion

In Matthew 26:31 Jesus uses the words of our text to warn His Apostles that they would forsake Him and flee before His crucifixion. In the garden and at Golgotha the Apostles thought the wheels had fallen off the cart. They didn’t understand the prophecy. Indeed, Jesus would be crucified as the Scriptures had said. He would take the punishment for the sins of all mankind upon Himself. He would make the payment for all sin.

However, having reminded His disciples of this text, they could remember and be comforted that the text goes on to say, “They will call on My name. And I will answer them. I will say ‘This is My people’; and each one will say, ‘The Lord is my God.'”

As you and I live in the days after Easter and the Ascension, we know the rest of the story. Jesus did rise victorious over death. He ascended into Heaven. He sent these weak deserters out into the world to be courageous, invincible heralds of His kingdom.

The history of the New Testament Church is the story of “little ones” doing unbelievably great things through the power of the Savior’s might. By the preaching of the Word of the prophets and the apostles, by the administration of the Sacraments, you and I have been brought into this great company of believers. There we too call on God’s Name. He says, “This is My people.” And we respond, “The Lord is my God.”

We pray: Almighty, everlasting God, make us to have always a devout will toward Thee and to serve Thy Majesty with a pure heart; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.