Hosanna!

Their shouts of praise would turn into shouts of anger! Their palm branches would become torches, signifying the hatred that began to burn within them because they felt betrayed and misled. This man who claimed to be their Messiah was nothing more than a liar as far as they were concerned. The only remedy to his treasonous behavior was death and that’s what they shouted for. It didn’t take much encouragement from the religious leaders to stir up the people.

So that we won’t think that the Jews are the only ones to blame for rejecting Jesus and then screaming for his crucifixion, I want to remind you how we react to him in our day and time.

There are many today who will confess their belief in Jesus as their Savior. It’s not hard to find people who claim to be Christian. But it is hard to find people who live as a Christian should live! Why is this so?

Too many people come to Christ, accepting him as their Messiah, their Deliverer, their Savior, with the same attitude that the Jews had. They want a Messiah who will give them a perfect life. They are looking for an earthly King who will give them a life of peace, safety, health, prosperity and happiness. While Jesus can and does give us many blessings in this life, we must never forget that he didn’t die for us to have a good life on this earth. He died for us to have eternal life!

You will see multitudes of people who will shout Hosanna to the Lord this morning, but which Hosanna are they shouting?

Are they shouting Hosanna, praise the Lord, the Savior of the World, King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Hosanna to the Lord of my life. Hosanna to the one who died for me and saved my from my sins. Glory to his wonderful name!

Or, are they shouting Hosanna, “save us now, save us”, save us from our burdens. Save us from our troubles. Save us from our sicknesses. Save us from our family troubles. Save us from the storms of life, but don’t try to control my life because I want to be free to live as I please without the interference of God’s laws and his word.

I want us to look back and remember the events of that Palm Sunday long ago and then think of what we are shouting today!

If we are shouting Hosanna for the right reasons, then this Palm Sunday and the Easter that we will celebrate next week will carry such a wonderful meaning for us. We will know that Jesus came as the Messiah for he has cleansed us from sin and given us peace within and established his kingdom within our hearts forever.

If we are shouting Hosanna for the wrong reason, then not only Palm Sunday, but Easter will have little significance for us. What difference does it make that there is a Messiah, a deliverer, a Savior, if we are unwilling to accept the great gift that he has given to us because it doesn’t meet our own expectations or desires?

Let’s shout Hosanna to the Lord this morning. Let’s praise him for being the Son of God. Let’s worship him as the Lord of our lives. Let’s give thanks to Jesus for what he has done for us.

Shout Hosanna! Lay down your life before him! Recognize Jesus as your Lord, your God and your Messiah! He has come to bring peace to your heart and soul and to give you eternal life. He deserves all of our praise!