Jesus' Triumphal Entry

The Lord woke me up two hours before my alarm this morning because I had not allotted time for writing before another appointment. God is so amazing. It was like clockwork. I woke up, turned over and looked at the clock, then settled back onto my pillow for more sleep. Then God told me I had a blog to write this morning.

"My times are in your hands;" (Psalm 31:15a NIV).

Jesus' time had come. His moment of glory. His 15 minutes of fame. His red carpet ride.

For just the length of time for a donkey ride, Jesus was honored as the long-awaited Messiah. They cried out 'Hosanna' (Save Us) to the world's Savior. There on an unbroken colt, Jesus rode peacefully into a wild scene in Jerusalem. People were tossing their cloaks into the street ahead of the wild colt. Branches of palm leaves or branches from the fields nearby were being thrown onto the street and paved Jesus' way into the city. People were shouting and waving their arms and crying out, honoring the true King of the Jews, the Son of David who finally arrives! On a wild, unbroken colt. How amazing!

"As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, "Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, tell him that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away." This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: "Say to the Daughter of Zion, "See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey;" 

The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt, placed their cloaks on them, and Jesus sat on them. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, 

"Hosanna to the Son of David!" "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! "Hosanna in the highest!" When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, "Who is this!" 

The crowds answered, "This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee." (Matthew 21:1-11 NIV).

As we anticipate the arrival of Palm Sunday, we remember this joyous day as only part of the story. We can't forget the torture that lies ahead. The betrayals. The enormous grief hanging on the cross. But let's try to pause long enough to celebrate this special day as a foreshadowing of Resurrection Sunday.

For these few minutes the world recognized who this special Man was and why He was here. My mind understands but my heart aches over the short time this waving of palms occurred. But, would I have done anything different? Could I have continued the singing at the cross?

The parade was short and sweet;
His Reign was only beginning.

SDG