Lord of life, bless and protect this dear reader in all that they may face today; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Our text for today comes from Mark 11: 1 When they were nearing Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany on Mount Olives, he sent off two of the disciples with instructions: 2 "Go to the village across from you. As soon as you enter, you'll find a colt tethered, one that has never yet been ridden. Untie it and bring it. 3 If anyone asks, 'What are you doing?' say, 'The Master needs him, and will return him right away.'" 4 They went and found a colt tied to a door at the street corner and untied it. 5 Some of those standing there said, "What are you doing untying that colt?" 6 The disciples replied exactly as Jesus had instructed them, and the people let them alone. 7 They brought the colt to Jesus, spread their coats on it, and he mounted. 8 The people gave him a wonderful welcome, some throwing their coats on the street, others spreading out rushes they had cut in the fields. 9 Running ahead and following after, they were calling out, Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in God's name! 10 Blessed the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in highest heaven! 11 He entered Jerusalem, then entered the Temple. He looked around, taking it all in. But by now it was late, so he went back to Bethany with the Twelve. (The Message)
All of Jesus' life was a fulfillment of prophecy. Many years before He was even born, people of God had spoke on Jesus' behalf and the things that would occur to show that indeed God was involved in this Messiah's life and ministry, and all of it for the good of the people of God. This that we will celebrate in our churches this coming Sunday is a memorial of that entry into Jerusalem of the Son of God. The gates and streets of Jerusalem had seen more than their share of triumphant entries, most notably the ones of David the King. The people living in the capital city were used to this sort of celebrations. But today was different. There had been no war to celebrate battles won or territory gained. The political reality was that this land was an occupied land. The last parade to have come through the gates was that of the Roman Army as they took over Jerusalem. The once glorious political and military capital of the Jews was now just an outpost for Rome.
The people of Jerusalem longed for a parade of the messiah who would lead the revolt against Rome and restore them back to power. Little did they know this parade was not about that. The kingdom Jesus represented is still among us for those who choose to enter it as citizens and be children of the Most High. Among those who will be singing hosannas and praises Sunday, how many know the true meaning of all that is coming in the days after Palm Sunday? Do people realize it is about them and the love God has for them? It is up to us to tell and share with them what God has shared with us.
PRAYER: Loving God, as the day approaches I will be there at the parade held in my church. Let me truly celebrate what it truly means to me and to all who are in it or who watch it. May my life be a reflection of Your power at work to overthrow sin in my life and the fear of death that holds many captive. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
