PURPOSEFUL PRAISING or NOT?
Luke 19:28-44
Casting something at the feet of Jesus speaks of a high praise. Mary washed Jesus' feet with her hair, pouring expensive ointment on Him. The 24 elders, in Revelation, cast their crowns at His feet.
Rev. 4:10 The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying,
In the gospels, there is agreement that many followers of Jesus went and cut palm branches in preparation for His entry into Jerusalem. As He came riding into town, they cast their branches directly in the path that He was to trod.
Others threw down garments in the road for Him to traverse. I don't believe that these were some old sodden clothes that were unfit for attire. They were nice clothes, maybe even fine garments taken out of the closet, to lay out before the course of the King. This was not just some last minute hype done at a moments notice.
Upon a careful reading of the central text, one will come to realize that these events that are recorded on "Palm Sunday" were carefully calculated and measured. The Holy Ghost was a work ahead of time and on time.
Back up and take a closer look.
Jesus begins His ascent towards Jerusalem (v.28). --He knows fully well what lies ahead of Him for the upcoming days.
He sends two disciples to fetch Him a colt. Not just any colt, but a certain one, one which had never been rode.
He purposesly wants an untrained donkey. Riding in on a donkey portrays a man on a mission of peace. A warrior king would be mounted on a majestic horse. The donkey was a beast of burden, used as we would use a car or tractor in our modern era.
When the owners question the disciples about the taking of the colt, the simple answer was, "the Lord hath need of him." (vs. 33,34) No more questions were asked. Evidently the owner had enough confidence in Jesus to gladly give Him unlimited access to this animal.
Yes, it may have seemed like a small sacrifice, but it was not at all insignificant. They were consciously and sacrificially contributing in genuine worship and praise to Jesus. In their hearts, there were no conditions that went with the "lending" of the colt. Shouldn't that be our attitude about whatever God wants from us?
Next (v.35), the disciples are catching ahold of the spirit of properly worshipping the Lord. They cast their personal garments upon the back of the donkey. Then they physically lift Jesus up and place Him on the back of this donkey. It is all about real worship. Jesus was not incapable of mounting this short animal. The Spirit of God had inspired these disciples to give special honor and adoration to Jesus. Small gestures add up to high praise. They may take a little more of our time and a little more dying out to our old nature, but it is of utmost importance in glorifying Christ as He deserves.
In verses 36-38, there is great rejoicing and puposeful praise to the name of Jesus. Their praise was right even though their understanding was wrong. In their thoughts, this was the beginning of a new era for an earthly kingdom.
Possibly, the reaction of Jesus, is better understood in light of this misdirected hope of these well-meaning followers. Thus Jesus wept publicly for a second time. This does not show Him as weak.
Real men have real hearts and CRY at times. Don't suppress-----express.
Jesus cried for a people who were set to suffer and they had no idea of the devastation that was coming. His focus was on OTHERS.
Ponder again the palms and the garments that the people cast at the feet of Jesus. What do they signify?
A SACRIFICE.
Time and energy to cut and retrieve the palm branches. Possibly thwarting some fruit-bearing trees and eliminating some highly prized shade.
A SURRENDER
Laying down these items in the path of another was a sign of giving the best for one who they considered their hero. It was a way of showing loyalty and servitude.
A SOUND-OFF
These acts marked these individuals. They were identifying themselves as fanatic followers of the Lord.
Aside from a branch or a piece of clothing, what are some things that we should lay before the Lord to show our allegiance to Him.
Remember; these need to be premeditated sacrifices.
Lk. 14:28
For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?
1. Time.
Give Him quality moments of your life. Sacrifice to be found in His house and in His presence.
2. Talents.
Our different abilities should be used to glorify God, not only to make us a better living.
3. Companions.
The line was marked in the sand when men and women took a step away from others in the crowd to lay their palm branch before the Lord. I am sure that others walked off a different direction.
4. Personal Dreams and Ambitions
The laying down of the palm in the street before Jesus was a way of saying, "Okay, Lord, I am at your service; your wish is my command." It is a giving up your personal goals to do what He bids of you.
5. Pride
I am not the king, you are, Lord. By humbling myself and bowing toward you as I lay my branch at your feet, I publicly acknowledge that I am totally uncapable of progressing without you in full leadership in my life.
The only problem with this Bble story is the follow-up. In a weeks time, none of these passionate individuals could be found in defense of their aspiring king.
The basic problem was an earthly kingdom mindset. Things have not changed a whole lot in more than 2,000 years. The majority still are looking for an earthly kingdom with the right leader who can make us healthy, wealthy, and wise. That is why the Antichrist will not have much trouble being accepted.
Let Colossians 3:2 be our motto for life.
Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
