“Then, as He was now drawing near 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 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 called to Him from the crowd, “Teacher, rebuke Your disciples.” But He answered and said to them, “I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out.””
Luke 19:37-40 NKJVStones
We have arrived at Palm Sunday. A year ago, I sat in this very chair, dressed in comfy clothes, and going nowhere. We had been locked down and all the churches in America were not allowed to meet. One year later, we are still under the shadow of a pandemic, but we are getting used to it. I guess it is all part of our new normal, whatever that is.
I am looking forward to this morning, as I will have the opportunity to meet with my brothers and sisters in the faith, and celebrate the moment when Jesus entered Jerusalem, as we kick off Holy Week.
This is my favorite time of the year, as it takes me back to my first Resurrection Sunday in 1998, when I said yes, sought the forgiveness of Jesus and was saved from hell. I find that each year the feelings are refreshed, as I remember
my dismal past life as a slave to sin, and my new life redeemed and being transformed. In the midst of the congregation, I cannot help but cry out with cheers of adulation at what Jesus did for me.No matter how many years pass, that day is forever etched in my soul, and it will serve as incentive for me to go and share the Gospel.
When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the religious authorities, the Pharisees, complained about all the ruckus and scolded Jesus. They did not have a connection to the Lord, as their hearts were stone. They were men who were self justified, pious, whose hearts were far from God.
Sadly, we have Pharisees still today, who have lost that joy, that first love and remembrance of what God had done through the Lord Jesus.
The have forgotten that they were sinners.
In the book of Revelation, chapter 2, Jesus addressed the “Loveless Church.” The Ephesians had gotten off to a great start, but over time, they had ceased to be moved by the glory of salvation. They still did the things, and followed the routines, but they no longer had the passion. They were going through the motions.
““I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.”
Revelation 2:2-4 NKJVBrothers and sisters, it has been a tough year. We have had so many things that have battered our world, and many of us have become distracted, and thus have lost some of that passion.
This Palm Sunday is a great opportunity to rekindle that love that we had in the beginning. To begin the Holy Week building up in anticipation of Resurrection Sunday. May passions be awakened!
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
I Thessalonians 5:16-18 NKJVRejoice in what Jesus has done!
When I become weary, I remember what God has done for me, how He has delivered me. I try and imagine what my life would be like if I had never come to know Jesus. In my gratitude, I am rejuvenanted, and my passions increased.
Let us go into this Palm Sunday, remembering that we are living stones! Therefore lets us cry out, even though the world desires that we be quiet.
“Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”
I Peter 2:4-5 NKJVMay all our churches reverberate with loud voices all screaming HOSANNA! BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD!
Stones
Published
Musings from an idle mind 