Rejoice,
O people of Zion! Shout in triumph, O people of Jerusalem! Look, your king is
coming to you. He is righteous and victorious, yet he is humble, riding on a
donkey--riding on a donkey's colt. - Zechariah 9:9
Today our Palm Sunday service began with a presentation by
our children’s ministry. As they recited
their parts, a parade of palms and children began down the main aisle. A little one, dressed as Jesus, rode a donkey
(which was an adult dressed in a donkey costume walking on his hands and
knees). The congregation chuckled at the
sight. The beautiful humor of this
pint-sized procession made me smile.
However, I couldn’t help but think about what people must
have thought when they saw Jesus. The
Jews were expecting a savior, yes.
However, they were expecting a king that would come in and use his might
and power to overthrow the powers of oppression. When they read prophesies, their minds
painted a picture of who Christ would be.
I’m sure no none envisioned what they got.
Instead of domination, they got humility; instead of might, they got mercy. Instead of a knight in shining armor on a
white horse, they got a carpenter’s son on a donkey.
I’m sure this is not what victory looked like to them.
Of course, hindsight is 20/20 and we can say without a doubt
that the form that Christ took while here on earth was not only successful, but
intentional and meant to set an example of love, humility, brokenness,
righteousness, and victory for us. In
hindsight, we can confirm the victory that manifested out of this unexpected king
accomplished a purpose far beyond what the Jews anticipated. But, I can relate to the Jews. There are still times when Christ is molding my
circumstances a certain way and it’s not the way I expected Him to design
it. I have to remind myself that His
design is perfect and I need to allow Him to show up the way He should and not
the way I WANT.
As I reflect on Palm Sunday, and the faithfulness in the
arrival of our King, I am continually challenging myself to make room for His
arrival into my circumstances in any way, shape, or form that He sees fit.
Making room for the King not only requires us to make space
in our heart, but release our preconceived notions and control over the
conditions of His arrival.
Open your heart and your mouth with praise. Shout Hosanna! The Savior is making His presence known. Don’t put Him in a box. Put Him on the throne in your life and make
room for Christ to be more than you have ever imagined.
Can you make room?
Can you make room for the miraculous?
Can you make room for breakthroughs?
Can you make room for the freedom and liberty that comes to
those who the Son has set free!?
Can you make room for the King?
Because He is coming
Let’s pray: Father God, with a heart of praise and
thanksgiving we shout “blessed is he
who comes in the name of the Lord.” As we complete this Lent season, and focus
our hearts and minds on this season. I
ask you to help me create the space to receive you completely and allow You to operate
in my life the way you see fit. I will
stop dictating how you should show up and instead allow you to have your
way. Great is your faithfulness, Lord. And, today we celebrate You, adore You, and give You all the honor and praise due to Your name. In Jesus name. Amen.
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