Today is Palm Sunday. It is now clear that Holy Week will not be what we envisioned six months or even six weeks ago. However, I encourage you to see the events we are experiencing as an invitation to approach this week in a new way. Whereas before we would have gathered to wave palms and shout Hosanna, now our sanctuaries will be darkened and empty. We may find ourselves, instead, taking up paper palms before a computer screen at home. Where we would have feasted with throngs of family and friends, we may find ourselves in ones and two and threes, discovering new ways to welcome the coming Messiah. In previous years, we likely would have found the end of ourselves and our expectations, now we may find an invitation to new and abundant life.
May we have eyes to see and ears to hear and hearts to receive each invitation Holy Week brings.
The people at the temple and along the streets on the first Palm Sunday had to have eyes to see, ears to hear, and hearts to receive as Jesus rode into Jerusalem. Religious tension was very high. People were probably wondering if Jesus would even show up for the celebration because authorities wanted him stopped. And….he came on a lowly donkey. His disciples were probably worried and fearful. Imagine the eyes, ears and hearts the disciples must have had when this first Palm Sunday began with Jesus sending them to abscond with a colt from someone’s front door. Would they get caught? What would others think? What was Jesus up to and going to do? Would they get in trouble with him? Everything looked and felt different on this first Palm Sunday. Everything looks and feels different on Palm Sunday 2020 with Coronavirus and quarantine requirements. Could God be up to something new at this time in history? Could God be up to something new in your life? In the life of your family?
The first ever Holy week started differently, and our Holy week starts differently this year. What invitations do you have from God to experience this week - in the events of Holy Week and in God himself? Perhaps God is inviting you to experience Him in new ways and with new practices? Are you open to hear from God this week?
INVITATION: Passover is huge in the Jewish culture. It was particularly so in Scriptural times. It was one of the three pilgrimage festivals during which the entire population of the kingdom of Judah made a pilgrimage to the Temple in Jerusalem. Time and events were marked by Passover.
MONDAY: Exodus 12:1-13: These verses describe when God established Passover so that the Angel of Death would “pass over” anyone with the blood of an innocent lamb over their door. It was celebrated as a day God “brought your divisions out of Egypt. Celebrate this day as a lasting ordinance for the generations to come.” (vs. 16-17). This was not about anyone in particular in the home being worthy of being saved. This was about blood and the sacrifice that blood represented. No one was worthy then and no one is worthy now. This was symbolic and a precursor of the blood of Jesus being the ONLY thing that saves us and makes us acceptable to a just and righteous God. Passover was a time of remembering the promises of God and all that was good and right. It was a time of remembering God’s faithfulness and protection. Take some time today to remember God’s protection and faithfulness in your life. Consider journaling a list of what the Spirit brings to mind. At this time in history, perhaps you might consider making this an evening practice? It could even be done as a family. It can be helpful to “remember” how God showed up in your lives each and every day. Keep remembering. Keep noticing. Keep being grateful.
TUESDAY: Mark 11:1-7: The scripture doesn’t give any responses of the disciples, but don’t you imagine it’s possible they wondered “why” regarding Jesus’ request? Have you ever wondered why? Are you wondering why right now during the Coronavirus? How are you about dealing with NOT having answers? Sometimes we don’t get them from God. Sometimes we never will until we are with Jesus. These are the times trusting in God’s character is important. Have you nailed down the issue of God’s goodness? If not, why not be honest with Him about it and ask Him to increase your trust in Him? It's not anything we can generate on our own. We need God’s strength and courage and insight. If ever there was a time in history when we realize we are not as much in control as we thought, it is right now. Why not place more trust into the hands of Jesus Christ during this Holy Week and moving forward? Matthew tells us his “burden is light and his yoke is easy.” the Message version of Matthew 11:28-30 reads: “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me, get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me - watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”
What word or line from the Matthew scripture is speaking to your heart today? How might you take that with you into your day and week…..maybe even into this season of life and history?
WEDNESDAY: Mark 11:8-10: Pastor Adam taught that the word “Hosanna" was common then and was actually two words that mean: SAVE NOW! These people were crying out for a Messiah and a savior. For help, healing, wholeness, and to be saved……now. You are invited to write out a “save now” prayer today. Pour your heart, mind and soul out to the one who died on your behalf. The veil is broken and you have free and clear access to the God of the universe.
THURSDAY: Mark 11:11: This entire ceremony and holiday was about pilgrimage to the temple. This verse can almost make it sound like Jesus was late to the party. Pastor Adam pointed out that everything about this was intentional. His majesty and power was being proclaimed loudly and fervently by the people, and the religious authorities in the Temple most certainly heard all this commotion. Jesus walked into the temple, then basically turned around and walked back out. He left to be with the “common folks.” To be with “the Twelve.” Jesus was sometimes with a crowd. Sometimes with the 12, and sometimes with only 1-3 others. Who is the “inner circle” in your life? Who allows you the safety and honesty of being yourself? Is this time in quarantine revealing anything to you about the people you surround yourself with?
FRIDAY: Zech. 9:9-10: This was the prophecy Jesus was fulfilling as he entered Jerusalem. As Jesus made His way into town that day, the people rejoiced. It was a joy that welled up in spite of their oppression; a joy that could not be contained. They lay their cloaks on the road before Him and lifted their voices in praise. We can know this same joy. Yes, even today in the midst of uncertainty and suffering we can be those who rejoice greatly and shout aloud in adoration of our King.
This prophesy points us to the kingship of Christ. A kingship marked out by righteousness and salvation--by victory. But it also reminds us that He comes to meet us in ways we don't expect--although His entry into Jerusalem was triumphant, it was also humble and unconventional. As mentioned earlier, the disciples must have been confused by all this. Kings did not usually ride upon donkeys--they were considered beneath them. But this is our Jesus: He is both victorious and humble.
How can you “rejoice greatly” and maybe even “shout aloud” in adoration of Christ the King today?
SATURDAY: Matthew 6:9-13: Say the Lord’s Prayer (the “Our Father”) slowly today. Maybe 2-3 times throughout the day. Jesus is here to save, and to SAVE NOW. Hosanna! His presence is here. His power is here. His kingdom is “on earth as it is in heaven.” How does this make you feel?
(Pastor Adam’s teaching doodling/notes by Janet Wilhelm)
