The Lord Needs It
Christmas may be one of the most popular events that we celebrate as Christians, but Easter and the week leading up to it is most central to our faith as Christians. We are Easter people living in a Good Friday world and it all begins with Palm Sunday.
Palm Sunday is an “and” Sunday it is a day where we celebrate the exuberance of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, but also bear the weight of the Passion of Christ with Passion Sunday. This Sunday is two days in one. How do we do honor two different experiences in Worship, but also personally? How do we celebrate shouting “Hosanna” but also mourn how broken this world is that led to the crucifixion? I believe the story leading up to Jesus triumphal entry into Jerusalem can help us out with that.
In the Gospel of Luke (19:28-40), when Jesus arrives near Bethphage and Bethany before arriving to Jerusalem, at the place called the Mount of Olives, he told two of the disciples to go into the village ahead and as soon as they entered they would find a colt, an unridden donkey symbolizing purity and peace, tied there that had never been ridden. He told them to untie it and bring it to him and if anyone asked why, they were to tell them that “The Lord needs it.” Jesus then rides into town with disciples of Jesus shouting praises as he entered.
What’s most interesting to me about Luke’s account, is that his is the only one that does not record the shouts of “Hosanna”, but instead mentions this very important part. Leading up to Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, for the last three years Jesus has asked for silence. “Don’t tell anyone,” he would say, “keep your knowledge, your revelation to yourself.” Luke records a curious response from some of the Pharisees who are witnessing Jesus’ triumphal entry. They want the crowds to keep quiet. Jesus rebukes them to say, “I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out!”
Why is it now that Jesus no longer wants the disciples to be silent? I believe it was all about timing. Jesus wanted to wait for the right time when people would understand and witness to what was about to happen. Two experiences, both of celebration and of devastation. The triumphal king both entering into our lives and being taken away in a moment of tragedy. It was a moment, or I guess an “and” moment that would declare God’s victory even in moments of tragedy. That we too can shout “Hosanna” because we know that despite the darkest of times, God’s love wins. This is one of the most encouraging messages and paramounts of our faith. That God’s love can take moments of tragedy and use it to bring glory.
Are you facing moments of hardship? Has life been too difficult? Give this moment to God. Let God use it, because “the Lord needs it” to show you glory.
In God’s grip,
Pastor Chuck Church
