As I was preparing the message for our Palm Sunday service, I noticed something that I had never really seen before. It was the account from the Gospel of Luke of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem which is sometimes called the Triumphal Entry. Jesus made sure that he rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, just as it was predicted hundreds of years before by the prophet Zechariah… Zechariah 9:9 NLT “Rejoice, O people of Zion! Shout in triumph, O people of Jerusalem! Look, your king is coming to you. He is righteous and victorious, yet he is humble, riding on a donkey—riding on a donkey’s colt.” But the thing that really struck me this year was that Jesus sent two unnamed disciples to a small village where he said they would find a donkey tied up out front. They were to untie it and bring it to him. And if anyone asked why they were untying it, they were to simply say “The Lord needs it”. We read that and it sounds good and then we go on to the real action and celebration. But wait a minute… why did he ask them to do this task, this way? Why not just go up to the door of the house and tell them that Jesus wants to use their donkey? They would probably be honored. They could have stood next to the little donkey and shouted, asking for the owner to come and talk with them about the need that Jesus had. But no, Jesus’ instructions were to do just as he commanded. And so these two disciples did as they were instructed…to the letter! It may not have made sense to do it the way he commanded…but they did it. That’s what God wants. He has told us that those who accept his commands and obey them…they are the ones who love him. And because we love him, he will not only love us, but he will reveal himself to each one who does that. And most of the things that God wants us to do are small things, like going and fetching the donkey just the way he asked. So never forget the importance of the little things in your Christian life. For as you obey God in those, he will open up new vistas for you right here, right now. But he will also remember that simple trust and faithfulness when we meet him face to face in heaven. Here’s our Bible verse for today…
John 14:21 NLT Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.”
Remember I’m praying for you!
With love, PJ
John 14:21 NLT Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.”
Remember I’m praying for you!
With love, PJ