Sunday, March 16, 2008 - Palm Sunday

“Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord….” John 12:13

This day in history was one of dramatic tensions; a mixed bag of emotions, celebrations, and conspiracies. The church observes the triumph of the final entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, arguably the pinnacle of His earthly popularity. Today is also observed as the Sunday of the passion. The church remembers Jesus suffering and agony of body and soul in the circumstances leading to his crucifixion. Whichever emphasis is placed on today's observance the fact remains that Palm Sunday was a turning point in human history, as events were set in motion that brought God's plan of salvation to critical mass, a point of no return.

Christians are very satisfied with a triumphant Christ. It is comforting to see the one we call Lord and Savior as the “winner” over his foes. The great irony of the last week of Jesus' earthly life is that he seemed anything but a winner; He was indignant – driving the money changers from the temple, and disruptive by overturning cages and releasing some of the sacrificial animals. Jesus upset the religious and political machinery, deviated from the formula of the Jewish pascha, collapsed emotionally at Gethsemane, and was sullen and silent before the men passed judgment on him. He was beaten nearly to death, spat upon, taunted, jeered, and humiliated by a public execution reserved for the most disgusting criminals. He died screaming in agony, crushed by the weight of the sin of the world that he carried – alone. Was this the triumphant Savior, Christ?

Despite all visible evidence to all rational, natural senses Jesus was and is triumphant and victorious for eternity. As he was lifted in humiliation and agony on the cross, so is he exalted and lifted by His heavenly Father, well pleased with the Son who “… did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant.” Philippians 2: 6-7

Palm Sunday is Jesus' day in many ways. The Good Shepherd arrived in glory in Jerusalem, and before the week was over, the shepherd became the sacrificial “lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world”. John 1: 29 Christ's church must never take Palm Sunday lightly. The day gives us a foretaste of His second coming in glory when every eye will see, every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess Jesus as Lord.

Dear Lord, Prepare my heart for your glorious return… when I will sing your praises for all eternity. Amen