Good morning…
In the Christian calendar today is Palm Sunday. We remember Jesus riding on a donkey through the streets of Jerusalem. Many people carpeted the road in front of him with their cloaks and prayer shawls, while others gathered palm branches and spread them before him. Jesus rode in the center of the procession, with crowds going before him and behind him. They all shouted in celebration, “Bring the victory! We welcome the one coming with blessings sent from the Lord Yahweh!” (Mark 11:8-9, TPT).
The footnote for verse nine reads: Or Hosanna, an Aramaic word that means “O, save us now” (or “bring the victory”)! The crowds were recognizing Jesus as Yahweh’s Messiah. It is obvious that the people were expecting Jesus to immediately overthrow the Roman oppression and set the nation free. Many want victory before the cross, but true victory comes after resurrection.”
Immediate. Freedom. We also shout, “God, save us now!” Our oppressive expectations are trampled like palm branches.
He said, “The Son of Man must suffer many things. The elders will not accept him. The chief priests and the teachers of the law will not accept him either. He must be killed and on the third day rise from the dead.”
Then he said to all of them, “Whoever wants to follow me must say no to themselves. They must pick up their cross every day and follow me. Whoever wants to save their life will lose it. But whoever loses their life for me will save it. What good is it if someone gains the whole world but loses or gives up their very self? (Luke 9:22-25, NIRV).
As we walk through the severe suffering of this Holy Week, what might it really mean for us to follow in the footsteps of Jesus?
- Say “no” to immediate gratification.
- Pick up your personal cross and let Jesus lead you, morning, noon, and night.
- Repeatedly surrender to God the whole world and gradually gain your very self.
Many want victory before the cross, but true victory comes after resurrection. We know that Easter morning is just one week away. Yes, God raised Jesus to life! And since God’s Spirit of Resurrection lives in you, he will also raise your dying body to life by the same Spirit that breathes life into you! (Romans 8:11, TPT). Empowered by the Spirit, we are gaining our very self.
…Sue…
