Cheers

“…Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” Matthew 21:9

Jesus entered Jerusalem amid cheers and shouts of acclamation. The people were ecstatic! They were jubilant! They proclaimed Jesus as Messiah as they shouted, “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Matthew 21:9) They were giving a plea to be freed from their oppression under the rule of the Romans, as well as, the Scribes and Pharisees who maintained their own level of rule. Is it no wonder the Hebrew people were so exuberant?

The Savior had arrived. But what was their responsibility? Were they simply to be recipients of Jesus’ goodness?

There are many times when you and I see a door opening, an opportunity to be released from an oppression that we have been under. It may be a failed relationship, a job that seems to be going nowhere, a financial struggle, an illness, or even an affiliation with a church that is not preaching God’s Word. Then you see an opening to be free, and fear that has been lurking, waiting for you to falter, grabs you. What do you do? Make believe you never heard God speaking to you? Join the crowd? What is your part in this whole scene?

God’s voice is a little less audible—a little less appealing—when everyone else’s rings in your ears. But, it is still there. Can you not hear it? Listen! “Be strong. Be courageous. Do not be afraid. I am with you. Follow Me. I will give you rest.” It is clear, you know what to do. Will you do it? Or will your cheers soon turn into jeers?

Dear Lord, let me not turn away from you. Keep me on the straight and narrow path that will lead me to love, peace, and joy. In Jesus’ name I pray. AMEN