Scripture Reading: Luke 19:28-44, Psalm 118:25-29, Zechariah 9:9
Have you ever seen an Easter pageant? When I was growing up, every year I saw church folks get dressed up in ancient garb and sandals to dramatize the events of Holy Week. I loved it. But like any amateur theatrical, things often went wonderfully wrong. In one play, Jesus was played by a young guy who was ready for anything. Unfortunately, the guards got too rough when they pretended to beat him and he ended up needing to go to the hospital before the end of the show.
You know how the show must go on. But there was no one else who knew the lines—other than the stage manager. So after the resurrection, the actor playing Jesus was about 16 inches shorter, 30 pounds heavier, and 20 years older. No one was fooled, but they were pulling it off enough to save the show.
The last hurdle before they reached the curtain call was a pulley rigged to “fly” Jesus up for the ascension. But the new, heavier actor hadn’t rehearsed with the guys pulling the ropes, so when he declared, “I will meet you again someday!” the men below gave a great heave, but only lifted the actor a few inches off the stage. So he repeated his line and this time gave a little hop to help get off the ground. But this time, they pulled so hard he shot up out of sight, and a single sandal fell to the ground.
We can manage to bring our own ridiculousness to even the most mysterious and wonderful truth. We are so often the silly players in a story that spans all time and space and invites our total awe and reverence. What I bring to the Easter story is bulges, hiccups, toddler-chasing, folly, and need. And that’s my part of the bargain—I bring my need and repentance, and Jesus Christ does all the work. He is the author and finisher of the story (Hebrews 12:2). He saves the day.
Our worship on our own falls short of the glory of God. This is especially true when we invent all manner of our own worship forms—we only end up creating a poor mimicry, even in our sincerest efforts. Even the crowds in Jerusalem, though they sang praises to God, and hailed Jesus as King, even they did not recognize the time when God visited them. The Pharisees, thinking themselves wise because they saw the crowd for what it was, did not comprehend the Christ before them.
God, very God, was in their midst, in the flesh, weeping for them, and marching to the cross for their redemption! The scene before them was no mere pageant, but the glorious foretelling of their redemption. Christ came to a blind, foolish, sinful and even a ridiculous people. He came in humility, riding on the colt of a donkey, laying aside His glory, in order to make a people for Himself, who would worship Him in Spirit and in truth.
Lord, condescend yet again, and open our eyes to behold You as You are! Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!
Written by Rebecca Faires
Surrender. To God’s reign only. “If we surrender to anything else it is slavery.” (The Benedict Option). Jesus surrendered to our Father’s will He came to us in utter humility. He was the Word that spoke creation into being, and He rode in on a colt for His triumphal entry. The King visited His people on the lowest level. He wept for the city knowing the peace He brought was hidden from some of their eyes (Luke 19:41). The ones along the road who knew Him cried out with praises to God as they laid their clothes before Him in worship. Thank You Lord, for opening my eyes to see the truth. Thank You for visiting us. Show us if we are surrendering to anything but You. Break the false comforts from our lives. Remind me how You came to us… divine warrior as a humble king. How beautiful for those well acquainted with the words of Zechariah 9:9 coming true before their eyes. What hope and joy must have filled their hearts. What hope and joy now fills mine, today on Palm Sunday. As the rhythms of fasting and feasting become real disciplines in my life, learning how depriving myself of comforts pushes me into deeper dependence on God. This Lenten season has inspired me to be even more intentional in seeking God’s face over the faces of the people I see each day. I want His smile upon me more than anyone else’s. If He smiles upon me, I will reflect a smile that will bring goodness to those around me. Feasting and celebration will come to stay when He returns. Celebration over the joy of salvation now comes in seasons of trial and tribulations, recalling and returning to the joy and peace that surpasses understanding. Lord, I surrender all to You. As I fast for You, I will also feast with You. Maranatha.
Beautiful devotion Rebecca, very meaningful and thought-provoking!!
Have a wonderful Palm Sunday and go out and sing and yell praises to the Lord!!!
Sisters, be blessed and always praise God, Christ and the Holy Spirit even for the little things in life.
Keeping short have to work today.
Praise be to the King!
Happy Palm Sunday! ✝️ My prayer for all of us this Holy Week is we experience Jesus in intimate ways we’ve never experienced before and draw closer to Him because of those moments!
A blessed Holy Week to all! I am in awe of His precious love for us. May we always rejoice in it! Hosanna in the highest! ❤️
We know how the story ends! Praise Him for what He has done!
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Amen! Amen! Thanks be to our Lord and Savior Jesus for paying for our sins and failures. I am so grateful to know He loves me so much even though I fall short each day. Forgive me for my sins, cleanse my heart, soul and mind. May I worship You in spirit and in truth today. Happy Palm Sunday!