By Allen White
As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.”
This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:
“Say to Daughter Zion, See, your king comes to you,
gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’”
The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,
“Hosanna to the Son of David!”
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”
“Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?”
The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.” Matthew 21:1-11
I know it seems a little early to talk about Palm Sunday. I mean we haven’t even broken all of our New Year’s resolutions yet. But, this is where the Gospel is taking us.
It’s interesting that a prophesied event starts with a donkey-jacking. Jesus instructs His disciples to find a specific donkey and colt and to bring the animals to Him. If anybody asks, they are to say the Lord needs them. “The Son of God has requisitioned your beasts.”
The disciples don’t hesitate to act. They lead the animals back to Jesus without fear of a low speed chase of any kind. Zechariah 9:9 was fulfilled specifically and exactly. No one animal would have worked. No other animal or mode of transportation was suitable.
The disciples followed Jesus’ instructions, unconventional as they were, in order to fulfill a prophesy uttered centuries before. But, if we were among the disciples, would we have been as willing to take the risk? What about the donkey owner? What about “Thou shalt not steal?” I suppose technically it was borrowing.
Now, before we get all excited and decide to requisition our neighbor’s new car, we should keep in mind that Jesus’ words were a one time, specific instruction. And, of course, we should also remember, “Thou shalt not covet…” But, sometimes God calls us to do things out of the norm in order to magnify His glory.
When someone wrongs us, and we forgive rather than hold a grudge, God is glorified. When we live in obedience to God’s Word, even when doing so appears to give us a disadvantage, God is glorified. When we put aside the temporary fixes and allow God to transform us, He is glorified.
What crazy thing do you feel God is leading you into? Please keep in mind, if where you think God is leading you contradicts God’s Word, it’s not God leading you. Please understand, I don’t say this lightly.
God’s plan for each of us doesn’t usually fit in societal norms. God didn’t design you to fit into a broken, fallen world. He made you for so much more.
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Yeah it really takes a lot of faith to do some of things God asks us to do but they will most of the time end up being the most important things He may have you do.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.masterscience.webs.com
How about the arc? Noah didn't even know what rain was.
ReplyDeleteAnd Ananias going to Paul, the man who was persecuting Christians.
And Peter getting up and leaving his probably profitable business to follow Jesus. He didn't even have the Holy Spirit yet.
I hope I would be as obedient.
Thank you. I can't tell you how many times in the past two or three weeks I've said to someone, "It just seems crazy. But I know it's not coming from me. I know it's not what other people would do or tell me to do. But it's just what I believe I'm being lead to do."
ReplyDeleteI think this devotion is a little answered prayer, God saying "Nope. Not crazy. It's me. Thanks for listening."