A Word from Matthew 21

I can't imagine that I'm the only one  who feels like the world's a little crazy. International conflicts and rising prices. Weather extremes and the possibility that AI will wipe us all out. Quite frankly, it all seems to be a bit of a mess! And I wouldn't be surprised if many of us would like to see a hero ride into town; who has the power, the plan, and the charisma to put things back together. 

However, today's word from Matthew 21 reminds me that real heroes ~ at least in God's eyes ~ don't always behave in the way we think they should. 

These are words that we normally read on Palm Sunday. But they're just as true today as they are during Holy Week. When Jesus came riding into town, he found a young donkey and sat on it. And why? Well, because this is what the scriptures predicted: "See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” (21:5)

Did you hear that? Where we often want our heroes to be bold, strong, and maybe even a little cocky; the hero God sends and uses comes in humility, and gentleness, and sacrificial love. And then, of course, as he gives himself away on our behalf, he tells us that if we really want to be his disciples, we'll need to take up our cross and do the same. (see Luke 9:23)

So here's my observation. Yes, the world is a mess! But we have a promise that in all things God is working for the good of those who love Him and have been called according to His purpose. (Rom. 8:28) And part of the way He accomplishes that goal is by using those who are willing to ride that donkey straight into the heart of our messy world. 

And so, may the King come through us today, as we trust it's in giving that we receive. It's in pardoning that we are pardoned. And it's in dying that we're born to eternal life. Amen.