5
resurrection of Jesus, let us never give up, come
what will. May nothing inspire more than his life,
which impels us onwards!
4.âThe books of the Old Testament predicted
that the joy of salvation would abound in mes-
sianic times. The prophet Isaiah exultantly sa-
lutes the awaited Messiah: âYou have multiplied
the nation, you have increased its joyâ (9:3). He
exhorts those who dwell on Zion to go forth to
meet him with song: âShout aloud and sing for
joy!â (12:6). The prophet tells those who have
already seen him from afar to bring the message
to others: âGet you up to a high mountain, O
herald of good tidings to Zion; lift up your voice
with strength, O herald of good tidings to Jeru-
salemâ (40:9). All creation shares in the joy of
salvation: âSing for joy, O heavens, and exult, O
earth! Break forth, O mountains, into singing!
For the Lord has comforted his people, and will
have compassion on his suffering onesâ (49:13).
Zechariah, looking to the day of the Lord,
invites the people to acclaim the king who comes
âhumble and riding on a donkeyâ: âRejoice great-
ly, O daughter Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter
Jerusalem! Lo, your king comes to you; trium-
phant and victorious is heâ (9:9).
Perhaps the most exciting invitation is that
of the prophet Zephaniah, who presents God
with his people in the midst of a celebration
overflowing with the joy of salvation. I find it
thrilling to reread this text: âThe Lord, your God
is in your midst, a warrior who gives you the