Passionate Contrast

The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting,

“Hosanna!”
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”
“Blessed is the king of Israel!”

Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, as it is written:
“Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion;
see, your king is coming,
seated on a donkey’s colt.”

                                                   John 12:12-15 NIV

We enter Holy Week singing and shouting Hosanna; blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, with such great passion! What a start contrast between the praises sung today and the fears and the passionate tears of the people who loved Jesus by Friday.

Our faith can often be like that. One day we are so passionate about our love for Jesus and would give everything for him. But, by the next morning our passions may be turned to fear as wonder where he is. Why is he not here to be with us? Has he deserted us?  He has not deserted us. He will never leave us. All too often, it is we who desert him. It is we who betray him. It is we who deny him. 

By Friday, his followers will be in tears. But; for today, let us rejoice without fear for our king has come!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Listen and Learn!

For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. Titus 2:11-14

Okay! So, since the grace of God teaches us to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, when are we going to learn? Do not get me wrong. I know a tremendous number of Christians who are truly passionate about live for Jesus. Unfortunately, I also know a tremendous number of people who are more passionate about worldly things and endeavors than about doing what is good and right in and for the Kingdom of God.

Pastors can preach and preach about the grace of God; about the glory of our great God and Savior; but, it does a person no good if they are not willing to listen and learn. It takes more than just sitting in a pew to have a relationship with our Lord and Savior. Our attention needs to be on the Word, who is Jesus the Christ, so that we can get to know him; so that we can truly understand how much our God loves us. He loves us enough to die to redeem us from all wickedness creating in us hearts that are eager to do our Father's will.

The grace of God and the hope of the appearing of his glory should be enough to instill in us a desire to follow in the footsteps of Jesus; offering ourselves for the sake of others. Do not let worldly desires pull you away from experiencing the great grace and love that God has for you.

God's Peace - Pr. J.