By Reverend J. Loren Russell, BA, MDiv.
John 12:12-13 NKJV
“The next day a great multitude that had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, and cried out: “Hosanna! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ The King of Israel!””
The day of the triumphant entry had come. It was prophesied that the Messiah would enter the city riding on the colt of a mule (Zachariah 9:9). The excitement was high. The people had heard of the miracles, the healings, the resurrection of Lazarus. They were full of joy because that day had finally arrived.
They laid their clothing and palm branches beneath the feet of the mule while shouting “Hosanna! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ The King of Israel!” All this in recognition of this auspicious occasion. If only they meant it.
They had the appearance of true believers, but their actions less that a week later would reveal their true nature. Their shouts of Hosanna would soon become “Crucify Him!” Their praises, “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ The King of Israel!” became condemning shouts of “Away with Him!”
If only they meant what they said on that first Palm Sunday. If they had only believed that He was the one who came in the name of the Lord, the one they declared to be “The King of Israel!” Our challenge on this Palm Sunday is to examine our hearts to see if we mean what we say, or is our profession of faith just as hypocritical as this first century group. Do you mean it?
Be Blessed +++
Rev. J. Loren Russell is an associate minister at both Goodwill and The Greater Universal Baptist Churches in the Bronx, President/CEO of The JLR Company for Church Financial &. Strategic Consulting, and hosts “Matters of Faith – The Radio Show” on Soul 1 Radio, Mondays 8:00 – 10:00 PM. Listen by phone” at 626-226-1448. Be sure to Friend “Matters of Faith” on Facebook and email us at mattersoffaith.mof@gmail.com. Order your copy of Matters of Faith: The Book at Book Blues.
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