Luke 19: 28-41
FAITH will be frustrated if you anchor it on immediate results. Let’s take a survey:
“It’s Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth”
Matthew 21:10-11
“He left because it was late in the afternoon, then he returned to Bethany with the twelve disciples”
Mark 11:11
“But as he came close to Jerusalem, he saw the city ahead and he began to weep”
Luke 19:41
“Then the Pharisees said to each other “There’s nothing we can do. Look everyone has gone after him!”
John 12:19
The outcome of the event is a failure when we base it on our standard. I can feel my blood pressure increasing. Must we need to cross the valley of frustrations to enrich our faith? Lord, have mercy!
The triumphant entry of Jesus Christ is a fascinating revelation of grace that is obscure to the faithless eyes of religion yet crystal clear to the broken.
Grace Restrains
The Messiah said nothing but spoke volumes without using words. I can only ask... ‘Lord, how can you go through this procession of praise void of truth?’ Sometimes being gracious is about not correcting all wrongs right away! Jesus knew the personal and political agenda of the crowd that led them to impulsively praise God. He could tolerate that for the impulse came from hearts hungry for hope! Fascinating grace!
Grace Rebukes
Short and direct was the rebuke of Christ to the self-righteous Pharisees when they asked him to stop the noisy crowd from praising God. Can you see it? To be rebuked by God is grace! Fascinating grace, indeed!
This timely rebuke is a venue to repent and be redeemed. When the Lord still rebukes, it’s the last offer of grace...take it!
Grace Redeems
When he saw the city of Jerusalem, He wept! Those tears are too mysterious to explain...full of grace and redemption. He wept that we might learn to weep too! Nothing is more precious than the tears of true repentance coming from a sinner crying for redemption! Grace Redeems. Fascinating grace!
Conclusion:
As we celebrate Palm Sunday, don’t miss those faith-refreshing encounters tailored for you and me. Don’t be too eager to cover your frustrations nor be too quick to correct the excesses that you see. Abba knows. Be still! Don’t stay blind...be fascinated by the grace of God!
Abba, as we celebrate this season of lent, make this event a faith-refreshing encounter with Your Son Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen
Abba, like Christ, help us go through the frustrations of seeing superstitions of tradition seemingly triumphant over truth. Remind me faith moves forward amidst frustrations. Amen
Abba, as I see Christ weep, let me learn to weep again and taste your redemption anew. Amen