“And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for a firstborn son.” Zechariah 12:10

The second half of this Messianic prophecy once again reminds us of the suffering Jesus experienced on Good Friday. The references to looking on the One they have pierced, mourning and grieving, continue the tone of the costly price Jesus paid to redeem us from our sins.

But rather than talk about Good Friday today, I am more intrigued by the first half of the verse. God stated that He “will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication.” I am reminded once again how awesome our God is. In the midst of describing the suffering of Jesus, He provided a spirit of grace and supplication so we can rightfully understand His workings in our lives. Drink in deeply of the spirit of grace that God is providing. Know for certain that He is motivated and works based on the unconditional love He has for us. He wants us to be immersed in His grace. Only when we understand His grace can we understand what Christmas is all about. Close your eyes and look into the manger one more time and see God’s love for you there.

But God doesn’t stop with His grace. He also provides a spirit of supplication. He desires to be in an intimate relationship with us. He wants to communicate with us. He provides us a spirit of supplication that moves us to pray. Prayer is for those who walk by faith and not by sight. We pray because we desire to see and understand what the Lord’s will is for our lives. In prayer we come to our Creator asking for eyes to see things in this created world like He sees them.

In the next few days before Christmas, I encourage you to receive His spirit of grace and supplication. May His grace and your prayers be the source of encouragement they are intended to be.

Peace!

Pastor Tom

www.firmlyrooted.church