STILL ON THE THRONE

The King Who Is Also Our Priest (YouTube Version) Zechariah 6:9–15 There are passages in Scripture that seem mysterious at first, and Zechariah 6:9–15 is one of them. A crown is placed on Joshua the high priest, and God speaks of a man called “The BRANCH.” This Branch will build the temple of the LORD, bear the glory, rule upon His throne, and serve as a priest. What does this mean? Joshua served God’s people as they returned from captivity and rebuilt the temple. Yet God was pointing beyond Joshua to Someone greater. Zechariah 6:12 says: “Behold the man whose name is The BRANCH; and he shall grow up out of his place, and he shall build the temple of the LORD.” The Branch is a name for the coming Messiah. Joshua’s crowning was a prophetic sign pointing forward to Christ. Then Zechariah says of the Branch: “He shall sit and rule upon his throne; and he shall be a priest upon his throne” (verse 13). In Israel, the offices of king and priest were normally separate. This prophecy points to One who would unite both roles: Jesus Christ, our King and High Priest. Hebrews 4:14 says: “We have a great high priest... Jesus the Son of God.” Jesus is not a distant King who merely gives commands. He came near, understands our weakness, gave Himself for us, and now intercedes for His people. When we have sinned, we need not hide from Him. When we are hurting or afraid, we can come to the One who understands. Hebrews 4:16 says: “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” The throne from which Christ rules is also a throne of grace. His authority and compassion are united: the One who reigns is the One who gave Himself for us. In the ordinary moments of life, we can become so focused on our problems that we forget who sits upon the throne. Jesus is still King. He is not overwhelmed by what overwhelms us, and He is near to those who belong to Him. The crown in Zechariah’s vision was to become a memorial. It would remind God’s people that He had not forgotten His promise, even though its fulfillment was still future. God can use ordinary things—a song, a Scripture verse, a familiar place, or a simple object—to remind us of His faithfulness. Verse 15 says, “They that are far off shall come and build in the temple of the LORD.” Those who were far away would be brought near and given a place in God’s work. Through Christ, we too have been brought near. We are not merely spectators; God graciously gives us a part in His purposes. Sometimes that part is very ordinary: praying for someone who is hurting, encouraging someone who is discouraged, serving without recognition, pointing someone toward Christ, or choosing to obey when it would be easier to do our own will. We may not see the impact, but God does. The passage ends with a call to obedience: “If ye will diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God.” God’s people were called not only to admire His promise, but to listen and obey. Knowing that Jesus is King should shape how we live. We can trust Him, bring our burdens to His throne of grace, and faithfully do the work He has placed before us—even when we cannot see the whole picture. So when you encounter something as ordinary as a crown, let it remind you of this extraordinary truth: Jesus is King and our High Priest. He reigns with all authority, intercedes for His people with compassion, and invites us to walk with Him. His promises are sure, His grace is sufficient, and His purposes are moving forward. Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus Christ, our King and great High Priest. Thank You that He does not rule from a distance, but invites us to come boldly to Your throne of grace. When I am hurting, help me come to Him. When I am afraid, help me trust Him. When I have sinned, help me seek His mercy rather than hide from You. Forgive me for the times I try to sit on the throne of my own life. Help me surrender my plans, fears, desires, and future to You. Remind me that Jesus is still King. Help me rest in His grace and bring every burden to Him in faith. Thank You for bringing those who were far off near through Christ and giving me a place in Your work. Help me faithfully do what You place before me, even when I cannot see what You will accomplish. Give me a willing heart to hear Your voice and obey. Help me live under the rule of my King, rest in the grace of my High Priest, and faithfully serve in the work You have called me to do. May the ordinary moments of life remind me that Your promises are sure and Jesus is still on the throne. I pray this in the perfect and powerful name of my precious Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.