We'll start our Easter journey with Christ on the day of his entry into Jerusalem. The night before, He had been anointed with perfume by Mary, the sister of Lazarus and Martha. And although the disciples and even Mary did not realize it, this was all in preparation for Christ's sacrifice on the cross.
But that's still five days away. The only person who is aware of it, is Christ himself. And knowing that it is time to fulfill prophecy (Zechariah 9:9), Jesus sends two of His disciples with very specific instructions. He tells them that they will find a colt that has never been ridden on and to take it. And if they are stopped by the owner, they are to tell him "The Lord needs them" and they would be allowed to carry on.
Once the disciples have retrieved the colt, they bring it back to Jesus, place their overcoats on it and they proceed into Jerusalem. And to the disciples’ surprise, the whole city, which is full of people who have traveled there to celebrate the Passover feast, shows up to welcome Jesus. It becomes a parade with people screaming "Hosanna! Hosanna!" And taking their coats and palm branches, placing them on the ground so the colt's hooves don't have to come in contact with the ground.
Imagine being a disciple for a moment. With everything that happened the last night and this morning, how would you feel? This has to feel like the moment you've been waiting for. The past three years of following this mysterious teacher, this prophet who can do signs and wonders, this man who claims He is the son of God has now paid off. He's getting the credit that is due Him, and they, as His most trusted twelve followers, are shareholders in that glory. Everything is right. Everything is happening just how it should. This is why they left their nets behind. They have chosen a leader who will set the world aright. And they get to witness it first-hand. Imagine what that must have been like for a moment.
And then imagine what a different perspective Jesus had on it. He's looking at cheering faces that in a matter of days will change into sneers and scowls, screaming for his execution. Demanding that this man be put in between two thieves. The Savior was looking out on a crowd of those He came to save and understanding that they would be the agents of his death. It's a sobering thought.
The Holy Holidays - goTandem
***"Purpose of Salvation"
The purpose of your salvation is not just to get you to heaven. The purpose of your salvation is to give you works--special assignments if you will, so you can serve the Lord all your days here on earth.
God created us to do good works. He has a lifetime of good works for each of us to do, and He'll reward us according to whether or not we do them. Hebrews 6:10 tells us, "God is not unjust. He will not forget your work and the love that you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them."
So, rewards are God's way of simply saying, "Well done, good and faithful servant .... Enter into the joy of the Lord" (Matthew 25:23). Rewards are important to us because they confirm our salvation. You can't get rewards unless you do the work that the Lord gives you after you've been saved. So, what is God calling you to do for Him today?
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"Break it Down"
Whatever happens, my dear brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord. I never get tired of telling you these things, and I do it to safeguard your faith. (Philippians 3:1)
What does rejoicing in the Lord look like?
Is there anyone you encourage in this way?
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"Sell Your Possessions"
"Sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven." (Mark 10:21)
Why would you want treasure in heaven?
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