Friday, March 30, 2012

Hosanna!

The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!" (Matthew 21:9)

Just a few days before this “Hosanna” event, Jesus had raised Lazarus from the dead in Bethany and his fame exploded across Judah. Huge numbers of Jewish worshippers made the pilgrimage to the Passover feast. Some of them went in search of this famous life giver and the man to whom he gave life. It is reasonable that when Jesus began going toward Jerusalem, the crowd would have traveled with him.

Another crowd, coming out of Jerusalem, met the company attending upon Jesus, and, forming one great procession, the whole multitude marched into the city escorting the Lord Jesus, showing him honor as King in Zion. Laying palm leaves and their cloaks in his path was an indication that this was a coronation parade. The shouts of “Hosanna” showed that he was accepted as Messiah – one chosen by God. Our Lord received a proper reception in the capital city of his nation.

This reception was strange because the one whom men “despised and rejected,” was suddenly surrounded with the crowd’s approval. The people honored him that day with their Hosannas, and the whole city was stirred.

I sometimes wonder if I am praising him enough, because folks around me don’t seem to be stirred. I am going to keep on praising him anyway, even if I am the only one shouting “Hosanna!”

Dear Father, thank you for the One who comes in your name. Grant that our hosannas will attract attention to Christ. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN

Be strong and courageous with your praises,

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