I don't know about you, but as I pause for a few brief moments to get my bearings in a fast paced life, it is hard to believe that Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and Resurrection (Easter) Sunday are upon us. These most holy and notable of Christian holidays are only a couple of weeks away.
I am reminded of the days leading up to our Lord Jesus' Triumphal entry into Jerusalem. It was six days before the Jewish Passover, a busy time of preparation to celebrate the Lord's deliverance from Egypt more than a thousand years earlier. It was also a sober and holy time of anticipating the paschal lamb's sacrifice for the sin of the people.
I am reminded of the days leading up to our Lord Jesus' Triumphal entry into Jerusalem. It was six days before the Jewish Passover, a busy time of preparation to celebrate the Lord's deliverance from Egypt more than a thousand years earlier. It was also a sober and holy time of anticipating the paschal lamb's sacrifice for the sin of the people.
The bible says that as Jesus approached the city of Jerusalem, the multitudes shouted Hosannas and blessings to Him as King of Israel (John 12:12-13). We are told they waved and laid the branches of Palm trees along His path. It was such an amazing sight, that it appeared as though the whole world was following and worshiping Jesus Christ (John 12:19).
However, most of those shouting Hosannas were welcoming and receiving Jesus Christ as merely an earthly king sent by God to usher in an earthly Kingdom and deliver them from Roman domination (John 12:13). Many others were coming to Jesus because He had done many miracles and raised Lazarus from the dead (John 12:9, 18).
But, Jesus had made it very clear. He did not come to set up an earthly (political) kingdom (John 18:36). Instead, He came to be condemned and die as a substitute for us (John 12:7,8; 12:23,24; 12:27,31-33). He was to be the final Sacrificial Lamb this Passover (John 1:29). As the crucified and resurrected Savior, He would set up a heavenly, eternal, (spiritual) Kingdom (John 12:35,36; 18:36, 37).
However, as we approach another Palm Sunday and Easter, many people are still seeking and worshiping an Earthly Kingdom. Some have come to Jesus Christ in hope of getting a better job. Some believe in Jesus so their money problems would vanish. Perhaps they’ve followed Christ for some other earthly gain: twisted legs straightened; healing from disease; a marriage restored; to be better liked; or even to have a loved one raised from the dead.
God could do all of those things and more if He so desired. But despite what you see as your greatest need today, God says there is something we all need more than any of those earthly things. Every one of us needs divine forgiveness for our sin (violation of God's holiness), and a new relationship with God. Unfortunately, this is only possible by seeking Jesus Christ and trusting Him as your Savior and Spiritual King.
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only unique one of a kind Son, that whoever believes (trusts) in Him will not perish (eternally) but have life eternally" (John 3:16).
This Easter, don't be like those who were only seeking an earthly king, to make earthly life better. Instead trust in Christ, and join His Eternal Kingdom. He will give you the promise of Eternal life AND New Life right now. Perhaps this Easter (Resurrection Day) will be like no other you’ve ever experienced. Trust Jesus as Lord and Savior, and celebrate your own New, Resurrected Life in Him.
HAVE A TRULY GOD BLESSED EASTER!
~ Pastor Cliff
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