Pam's Perambulation

Jesus Enters Jerusalem

²⁸ When Jesus had finished saying all this, he went on toward Jerusalem. ²⁹ As he was getting near Bethphage and Bethany on the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples on ahead. ³⁰ He told them, “Go into the next village, where you will find a young donkey that has never been ridden. Untie the donkey and bring it here. ³¹ If anyone asks why you are doing that, just say, ‘The Lord needs it.’”

³² They went off and found everything just as Jesus had said. ³³ While they were untying the donkey, its owners asked, “Why are you doing that?”

³⁴ They answered, “The Lordneeds it.”

The Lord needs it

Word enough for the man to release his donkey.  If God needs it – it’s his. Quite a challenge…

How do I respond to what the Lord needs from me?  What he asks of me? What is God asking of me today?

³⁵ Then they led the donkey to Jesus. They put some of their clothes on its back and helped Jesus get on. ³⁶ And as he rode along, the people spread clothes on the road in front of him. ³⁷ When Jesus was starting down the Mount of Olives, his large crowd of disciples were happy and praised God because of all the miracles they had seen. ³⁸ They shouted,

³⁹ Some Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, make your disciples stop shouting!”

⁴⁰ But Jesus answered, “If they keep quiet, these stones will start shouting.”

The crowds were happy and praising God – because of all the miracles they had seen.  They put out their own red carpet, they spread their clothes on the road as he passes.  They recognise he is king and bringing peace and glory to God.  They are excited and celebrating what is to come. Today they are expecting to see the biggest miracle of all – Jesus riding into Jerusalem and claiming it for themselves, overthrowing the oppressors.  What they’re going to get is not the miracle they’re expecting – God is going to go way beyond that.  He is not just going to save them from their current oppressors, but from total oppression.  From all that holds them down.  From injustice.  From pain.  Even ultimately from death and all it holds. There will be peace in heaven and glory to God once and for all.

That is what Jesus is coming to do.

Are we ready?  Are we celebrating God’s work?  Are we throwing down our cloaks in front of him?  Are we shouting, or telling others to shush?

Jesus is coming.  How will you great him as he rides to glory?

Lord,
as you ride into Jerusalem;
ride to your destiny;
ride to your victory;
even if not the one we expected,

I want to great you;
to welcome you;
to celebrate you –
all you have done
and all you will do
for me
and for everyone else.

As I hear your call,
I want to offer you,
not just what you ask of me,
but my all.

I lay my cloak before you,
in honour and in offering.

Come Lord,
do your work,
in me
through me,
do what you need to do.

Ride on
and may I ride with you.

~ by pamjw on March 18, 2013.

Posted in bible, faith, Jesus, Lectionary, lent, Religion, response, theology
Tags: Lectionary, Luke 19:28-40, Palm Sunday, welcoming Jesus