Palm Sunday
Dear folks,
This Sunday is Palm Sunday, presenting the picture of Jesus riding in triumph, acknowledging the children’s praise, and weeping in sorrow. (Luke 19:28-44) The Old Testament background is found in Psalm 118 and Zechariah 9:1-10. What a strange picture of conflicting emotions, different interpretations, and angry words, sounds a lot like church is sometimes. The world may be indifferent to all we say and celebrate next Sunday and not give God a thought. That is OK because God is patient and not willing that any should perish, but all come to eternal life. If God is so patient with the unbelieving world, how much more should we be with each other?
Look carefully at Colossians 3:1-17 for how we must live in response to the Gospel. Since we are risen with Christ, since we do have the hope of eternal life, since we have died to our sinful self we ought to walk without malice, hatred, and obscene talk, but instead be characterized by meekness, kindness, patience, forgiveness and love. The more we have a thoughtful understanding of why this event is called the Triumphant Entry, even though Jesus was killed five days later, the more truthfully we will respond in gracious living. Not in enjoyable luxury, but in reflecting the genuine compassion of Jesus into the lives of others. We can only be legitimate “do-ers” in our Christian life when we are legitimate “be-ers” in Christ. Basically we are to be like Him in the world, and this must constantly be our rule of thumb as we judge our lives day to day. Do people see Christ in us?
See you Sunday,
Lee
