Let the Praises Begin!
Many of us celebrated Palm Sunday on yesterday, which is identified as Jesus triumphal entry into the city of Jerusalem. This triumphal entry was during the Festival of the Passover, and just a few days before His crucifixion. As Jesus rode into Jerusalem, the crowd spread their clothes and palm branches on the road. The multitude cried out to Jesus in praise, “Hosanna! Hosanna to the Son of David! Hosanna in the highest! Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! The King of Israel! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest” (Matt. 21; Mark 11; Luke 19; John 12)!
The children praised Him. Adults applauded Him. The crowd celebrated Him, and the rocks would have praised Him if no one else did (Luke 19:40). There was a praise party going on in the streets of Jerusalem and Jesus was the guest of honor. He entered the city with His mind on what had to be done. His mission? To save the world from their sins. Can’t you see our Lord riding in on a colt? Can’t you see His eyes fixed on His purpose? Can’t you see His thoughts focused on the cross? Everyone participated in the praise party, and Jesus was the center of their praise. Starting today, you and I can have a praise party in honor of the King. Our praise party doesn’t have to wait until we get to church or until everything is going well. No. We can have a praise party for Jesus right now, right where we are, right in the midst of whatever situation we may be in. No matter what’s going on in our lives, praise can go right there, right in the center. The Holy Lamb (Jesus) entered into the city of Jerusalem with you and me on His mind. He knew who would betray Him. He knew who would not believe in Him. He knew who would reject Him. He knew who would make false accusations against Him. He knew that His close friends would abandon Him. Jesus knew all that awaited Him in that city. Yet, our Hero, came riding in. After all Jesus has done for you, after all He has endured for me, for all the things He continues to put up with from us, most surely, we owe Him our praise. Beloved, let’s do like the multitude did when Jesus rode in on a colt. Let’s have a praise party for our King! Let’s lay all of our issues at His feet, bow down in reference, and worship Him. Honor and extol Him. If you don’t know how to praise the Lord or need a little help, just begin with words of thanksgiving on your lips. Tell the Lord “Thank You!” Thank Him for His goodness. Thank Him for His forgiveness. Thank Him for being the Holy Lamb who took our place on the cross. Let the praises begin by thanking Him for everything.
REFLECTION The next day, the news that Jesus was on the way to Jerusalem swept through the city. A large crowd of Passover visitors took palm branches and went down the road to meet him. They shouted, “Praise God! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the LORD! Hail to the King of Israel!” (John 12:12-13, NLT)
Encouraging You to Walk in Freedom! ™
Excerpt from Walking in Freedom: The Week He Changed Everything. 7-Day Devotional Guide to Remembering Jesus’ Sacrifice for our Freedom by Rhovonda L. Brown. Copyright 2015 by Rhovonda L. Brown.
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