What is enjoyable about watching parades? What would you like or dislike
about actually participating in a big parade? What kinds of events or
occasions do we celebrate with parades? No doubt there are many important
details taken into account when planning to execute such a soul-stirring
public event! Today we will be looking into this very topic in light of
the story of Christ's entry into Jerusalem…
Mark 11:1-2
And when they came nigh to Jerusalem, unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the
mount of Olives, he sendeth forth two of his disciples, And saith unto
them, Go your way into the village over against you: and as soon as ye
be entered into it, ye shall find a colt tied, whereon never man sat;
loose him, and bring him.
This was a parade planned by Christ Himself during the Passover season
when thousands of Jews were making their pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Jesus
began by instructing two disciples to go into the nearby village where
they would find a colt tied. They were to loose the inexperienced animal
and bring it to Him. Why not pick a local colt that had a reputation for
reliability to use in the parade? Our Father, for His use, selects from
that which falls under humble category… In the work of the Lord, many
folks presume that God will utilize them because of their credentials
- yet we find here that the Lord goes for potential! No doubt a colt that
had never been ridden by man before would be a bit frisky and make the
task both a noisy and noticeable affair! Governing the rough and rude
animal across town would be no small task… Now ladies, how would you feel
about carrying out these particular instructions? Would you have considered
it an absurd request to venture into an unfamiliar village, locate this
particular unproven animal and simply take it? My first thought in helping
plan this parade would have been, "But what if someone questions my behavior?"
Mark 11:3-6
And if any man say unto you, Why do ye this? say ye that the Lord hath
need of him; and straightway he will send him hither. And they went their
way, and found the colt tied by the door without in a place where two
ways met; and they loose him. And certain of them that stood there said
unto them, What do ye, loosing the colt? And they said unto them even
as Jesus had commanded: and they let them go.
What a significant lesson for the disciples - and for us too! The two
obediently carried out Christ's orders and found His Word to be sure;
their experience matched what God said. Ladies, all you and I have to
do is follow the Lord's instructions precisely and He will take care of
the details we worry so much about! If anyone objects to your assignment
(and somebody usually will), rest in God's Word. It may even be your own
heart that has a problem with the Lord's mode of operation! Oftentimes
our list of Christian "credentials" blocks an increase in our potential
as a servant of the Lord. Above any other issue, our real concern ought
to be whether or not we are willing to yield entirely to our King! Do
not question God's choices or methods. When the Lord has need of something,
all things must be done as He commands…
Mt. 21:4-6
All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the
prophet, saying, Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh
unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass.
Knowing He typically avoided public scenes, why do you think Jesus permitted
this open demonstration? As verse 4 above tells us, all this was done
as He commanded so that prophecy might be fulfilled. Yes, Jesus Christ
was in the habit of carrying out His Father's perfect will and our Savior
rode into town with power! The Son was not afraid of the cross that lay
before Him… He would soon triumph over death!! We should gain courage
for our hearts from this account! Just as the disciples carried out the
Master's orders and did as He bid them do, we must imitate their example
and join the procession; Jesus should be the ruler of our lives! This
minor parade represented a major truth… It was not planned to promote
pride, but humility, for Christ's coming to Jerusalem was an act of God's
mercy and grace; a demonstration of His desire for the eyes of the Jews
to be opened to His Son as the King of Kings. Do you recognize Christ
as such, dear lady?? When are you reluctant to allow Jesus to take His
rightful place as Lord in your life?
Matthew 21:6-8
And the disciples went, and did as Jesus commanded them, And brought the
ass, and the colt, and put on them their clothes, and they set him thereon.
And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut
down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way.
This is my very favorite part of the parade!! There were actually two
animals involved, the mother and the colt (foal). This was the royal animal
of Jewish monarchs and Jesus sat on the colt with the mother walking beside.
While Christ commanded the disciples to bring Him the animals necessary
for the procession, Jesus never mentioned a word about them putting their
clothes upon either. This was something they did of their own accord,
in honor of Christ before they set Him on the colt. Jesus was their King,
and would be treated as such - even in the little things! Notice too,
that the Bible says a "very great multitude" spread their garments in
the way… There were others who recognized Christ as King and proved it
in the laying down of their clothing along the path He would travel. They
too, contributed humility to this holy parade….
Proverbs 16:19
Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide
the spoil with the proud.
Ladies, if you were in attendance of this blessed demonstration of Christ's
supremacy, would you have been willing to sacrifice your wardrobe in honor
of your King? Could you, in clear conscience, participate in this holy
part of the parade? Would you be comfortable seating Christ upon that
which you choose to wear everyday? Would your garments be worthy to place
in the road for our meek and humble Savior to tread upon, or would you
be ashamed to see them lay before His eyes? Of what nature are your garments,
dear lady? Do they reflect your humility before God? Are they worthy to
be used in public honor of the King of Kings? Perhaps this is an area
of your life that is difficult for you to surrender to Christ's authority…
Matthew 21:9
And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying,
Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of
the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.
All the planning that went into this soul-stirring public demonstration,
pointed others to Christ's true identity. He WAS the King of Kings! Is
it "Hosanna in the Highest" with you too?? Is God's will utmost in your
life? The people that comprised this crowd publicly proclaimed Jesus as
such; the disciples with their obedience, the multitudes with their wardrobes,
and all with their speech. "Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the
Lord". Yes, blessed are those that participate in God's holy parade -
that submit consistently to Christ's authority! One can't help but read
this story and notice how the colt most likely considered unqualified
for the work didn't buck once during the whole procession! Glory to God!!
Those who pride themselves with ministerial proficiency could learn a
thing or two from this inexpert animal. A humble testimony is the one
that always has an amazing influence on a whole city…
Matthew 21:10-11
And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, Who
is this? And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth
of Galilee.
I can't think of a better march to participate in than one that wholly
and humbly honors the name of Christ! Pomp and circumstance is not required,
just pure potential. Does your life provoke people to question for whom
it is you exhibit so much respect and reverence? Does your testimony invoke
conversations about the Lord or is He the last person with which they
would associate you? How will you honor and worship Jesus as your King
today and everyday?? May we all strive to cause the crowds to praise and
glorify God!
God Bless,
Pam
Isaiah 60:1&2
Copyright 2000 Pamela A. Iannello
