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And when he had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. When he drew near to Beth′phage and Bethany, at the mount that is called Olivet, he sent two of the disciples, saying, “Go into the village opposite, where on entering you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever yet sat; untie it and bring it here. If any one asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ you shall say this, ‘The Lord has need of it.’” So those who were sent went away and found it as he had told them. And as they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying the colt?” And they said, “The Lord has need of it.” And they brought it to Jesus, and throwing their garments on the colt they set Jesus upon it. And as he rode along, they spread their garments on the road. As he was now drawing near, at the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” And some of the Pharisees in the multitude said to him, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples.” He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.” (Luke 19:28-40)
A very happy and blessed Monday to you, dear Friend! I pray the blessings of the Lord be with you during this work week. Our Lenten Journey comes closer to an end as this coming Sunday we celebrate Palm Sunday. Today's lesson is all about that, and I pray it bless and prepare you for worship of the Lord this coming Sunday.
The week for Jesus had been a fruitful one. It found Jesus helping to change the life of a certain man named Zacchaeus, who wanted to see the Lord, and he ended not only meeting Him, but receiving a change into his life because of the need for righteousness to be. a part of his life. Jesus then instructs those who witnessed this about the kingdom of God, and Sunday finds Him fulfilling the OT prophecy of the king entering Jerusalem on a donkey. This plan was well coordinated by God and by the work of the Holy Spirit. All who needed to do and share something were in place and the disciples find that as they ask for certain things, everything had been preplanned and handed to them. The colt was there as Jesus had said, and it was given to them for His use. And the use of the Upper Room was also prepared for use later on in the week. Jesus takes the colt and rides it into Jerusalem. Word spreads about His arrival and crowds gather to proclaim their acceptance of this, they hope, of a coming king, a liberator and new political leader the people so desperately wanted. Palm branches and garments are spread on the street and the acclaim was that worthy of a king; "Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!" The crowd was ecstatic, but the religious leaders were not. They demand Jesus quiet the crowd, but He answered that if the people were silent the very stones would cry out on His behalf.
This was more than a parade, it was a celebration of hope. For many, the promise of God to restore Israel to its greatness was placed firmly in the political and military aspects of their nation. Under King David and King Solomon, they had achieved world status and their yearn was to return back to those "good ole days." This parade they believed, into the capital city of Jerusalem was declaring "the good ole days are coming back again!" It was like a championship parade of world champs, but they were missing the point of Who was really coming.
From Jesus' view, He was being faithful to God's plan and purpose for His life. From the peoples view, which is our pint of view at times as well, a powerful Sunday experience doesn't necessarily carry us through the entire week if we get easily distracted and un-connected with God. Many a great Sunday service has been thrown off-track by a discussion or disagreement immediately after worship. Want to venture a guess as to who was working "behind/under the scenes?" Sunday was a great day for Jesus and for the hopes of the people. After Sunday, what Jesus did and said threw the people completely off, and their hopes were dashed. They did not realize the need for their spiritual renewal, as sometimes happen to us, and by Friday their shouts of "Hosanna," changed to "Hang Him on the tree!"
We now understand more or less better than the people physically present on the streets of Jerusalem on that day, but our desire should be to know Jesus more and more each day so that we never stray off the path and fall into temptation. Our sincere desire should be to celebrate again on Monday what we celebrated on Sunday. The sermon, the music, the prayers, the glory offered up to the Lord should continue in our spirits; for we are indeed the people called to be the Church away from the building.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, prepare my heart right now to remember and rejoice in what You shared with me yesterday and just right now. I want to worship and glorify You in all things and in all ways. Make my heart sing with joy that which has brought me life and that in the fullest. I need a King and a Savior and I have found Him in You! In His name I pray, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! Be a loving subject of the King today in all you say, think, and do!
Eradio Valverde
