3/28/21

"And they brought the colt to Jesus, and cast their garments on Him; and he sat upon him.
And many spread their garments in the way: and others cut down branches off the trees, and strawed them in the way.
And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord;
Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest." (Mark 11:7-10)
Today is Palm Sunday.
Normally, I write a note about something that I have read in my morning reading assignment, but since this is a special day, I have changed my routine.
(For years, I have read the entire Bible in one year. I follow a reading guide that keeps me on track to accomplish my goal. So, I have a 'reading assignment' each morning.)
But, today is a special day. Palm Sunday!
This day marks the beginning of Jesus' week of passion.
Jesus comes to Jerusalem, riding on a wild burro colt, "...whereon never man sat;...) (Mark 11:2) This little donkey is the only thing Jesus is recorded riding on, other than a boat. He is wild and unbroken, yet he does not buck his creator off when Jesus sits upon him! This little donkey knew who his creator was.
Note that Jesus didn't come to town on a fancy stallion. He didn't come to make war. He came to make peace between His Father and people.
The people greeted Him with shouts of adoration and worship. They threw their coats on the ground for the donkey to walk upon. They also cut branches from the trees to put on the road before Him.
They called Him the son of David. They recognized Him as their Messiah!
They cried out, "Hosanna!" Hosanna is an exclamation. It expresses adoration, praise, and joy.
1) Adoration, because they loved Him. He had done so many wonderful things for people. And He had taught them many wonderful things about the kingdom of God.
2) Praise, because He was their Messiah. He was the one that they were looking for. He was the one that God told them was coming to save them. He would be their king, and deliverer.
3) Joy, because He was so good. He was 'Immanuel'. He would take care of them, and be a shepherd to His people.
Hosanna! Hosanna in the highest! They welcomed Jesus!
Today, I am thankful for Jesus, and that He has come to rescue the perishing, and to save those that are held captive by sin.
All of this week, I will think about what he must face, in order to accomplish His mission. He must face rejection, and cruelty. And then the cross!
All of that for a wretched sinner like me.
"...Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord:" (v. 9)
From my heart to your heart.