Tuesday, March 28 – Luke 19:29-48
A few weeks ago, our family traveled to Alabama for Spring Break. I believe in total we were in the car for 16 hours. Some would say it was a manageable trip for a family of six, all packed up in the family minivan. Others of you might have a few other choice words for the adventure. We sang, we ate, we danced, we even got out and ran around the van to wake up from all the mind-numbing screen time teenagers can get lost in these days.
In an instant, when the first eyes spotted the Gulf of Mexico, the car volume rose to deafening levels, a reminder to both my wife and me about how important it is to stop, create, and share in moments like this together. There was so much joy and shouts of praise at that moment.
The joy that was available to us as a family that week was amazing. In fact, it reminds me of what it must have been like when the crowds learned of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem in preparation for the Passover, from our reading. When I read the stories about crowds of people with Jesus, there appears to be a heightened level of joy and praise always associated with his miracles and teachings.
So, it shouldn’t surprise us that shouts of praise and joy from the crowd were a result of not only the miracles associated with Jesus but because of a new reality that God had come down and was opening up heaven for all people. Love was on full display for all people, not just for a chosen few.
As a child, I remember the profound joy and songs of praise that were celebrated in my home church on Palm Sunday. The doors of the church would be opened and the fragrant air of eucalyptus trees and fresh spring flowers would meet us in our pews. The organ would be on full blast and the congregation was invited to walk in procession out the doors of the church with palm branches waving while we belted out the hymn “All Glory, Laud and Honor.” The smiles, the joy, the songs of praise being sung in perfect four-part harmony would fill Wright Avenue in Sunnyvale, California, then we'd move back into the sanctuary.
The truth is that Jesus rides into our life every morning. The question is not “Will Jesus come today?” but "How will I respond when he comes?” Every day we have the opportunity to join the crowds, like the disciples in verse 37, to sing, shout, and praise in a loud voice all the mighty works of the Lord. As Christians, by faith, we have seen the mighty works of God too. So, what will your response be today?
Questions for reflection:
- Remember as Christians, by faith, we are witnesses to the birth of Jesus Christ, the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. How can we contain the joy and praise found within God’s creation?
- I invite you to stop what you are doing right now and speak the words found in Scripture this morning, “Blessings on the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in highest heaven!” Repeat it a few times. How does that proclamation bring good news to you? How can you share it with others?
Lord, help me to seek and find you today as the crowds did on Palm Sunday. Remind me of your mighty works, both when you were on earth and in those times when I have seen and experienced you in my life through the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Lord, when I see you today in gestures of kindness, mercy and grace, help me to rejoice with exceedingly great joy and praise to you. Amen