CHRIST RETURNS TO STAND ON THE MOUNT OF OLIVES
Two streams of Messianic prophecy are found in Zechariah. One, points to Christ’s first coming as humble Savior, and the other, to His second coming as righteous King. This passage belongs to the second stream, as the phrase “on that day” connects it to the time period known as the “Day of the Lord,” when King Jesus and His holy ones return at the conclusion of the Great Tribulation.
At His first coming, Christ stood on the Mount of Olives many times. During Passion Week alone, the Bible recorded three significant times that Jesus spent on the Mount: The Olivet Discourse (Matt. 24), the Triumphal Entry (Luke 19:29-30), and the Garden Prayer and Betrayal (Mark 14:32-52). None of these occasions fulfill Zechariah’s prophecy.
On the day of Christ’s ascension, the disciples were with Him on the Mount when He was lifted up into the clouds. They heard the angel say, “This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way” (Acts 1:11). Zechariah prophesied of that day of which the angel spoke, a day when Christ will return to stand on the Mount of Olives and the saints of God with Him.
Just as the prophecies concerning Christ’s first advent have been fulfilled, so will the prophecies of His return be fulfilled. Therefore we can look forward in faith and with confident hope of His soon return. Even so, Lord, come quickly.
PRAYER: Dear Father, we are amazed by the fulfillment of Your Word through the prophets. Even more, we are amazed by Your Son, Jesus Christ. For He is all wonderful and beautiful to us. He is the source of eternal life and the object of our deepest longing. May we be found faithful until His return. In Jesus’ name, amen.