I love to picture the crowds when Jesus triumphantly entered Jerusalem that first Palm Sunday a couple thousand years ago. I feel like the excitement started as a small hum as a few people began calling out "Hosanna," and laying palm branches in the road before Jesus as He rode along on a donkey. Others picked up the refrain "Hosanna, Blessed is he that comes in the name of the Lord," until the sound swelled into a roar that the whole city heard.
The word "Hosanna" means "Oh, Save Us Now."
On that first Palm Sunday, the people were hoping for a deliverance from Roman rulers. They didn't understand that Jesus came to bring spiritual deliverance, not a physical deliverance at that time.
Over two thousand years later, things are much the same. People are dissatisfied with their government and are longing for change. Once again, the masses are just sure that if the right person was in charge everything would be different.
On that first Palm Sunday, the people were hoping for a deliverance from Roman rulers. They didn't understand that Jesus came to bring spiritual deliverance, not a physical deliverance at that time.
Over two thousand years later, things are much the same. People are dissatisfied with their government and are longing for change. Once again, the masses are just sure that if the right person was in charge everything would be different.
We just can't see our greater need of a spiritual deliverance.
Speaking for myself, I need saving. Of course, I need salvation. I cannot earn favor with God. I cannot earn eternal life. I am a sinner who wants to repent. I must trust in Christ, and believe on His name.
But in addition to that, I need to be saved from myself. I am my own worst enemy.
Most of the time, I know what I should do. For example, Matthew 28:41 tells me, “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” I know I need to ever be in a vigilant state and to pray that I won't fall. But, I'm lazy or I grow complacent and think, " I've been doing so well, I don't have to worry about falling." Beware! Thinking I won't fall is an invitation to disaster.
I know I need to keep my thoughts on good, true, lovely and pure things. [See Philippians 4:8] Yet, it is so easy to fall in the trap of watching or reading the news and start dwelling on all the things that is wrong in my world. Pretty soon, I'm depressed.
I know I need to rest. In fact, God thinks rest is so important, He set aside a whole day for resting. Instead, I over-commit and over-book myself to where there is little time to just "be." Sometimes, the most creative ideas come when you are doing nothing. If your mind is jammed-full of thoughts, how can there be room for inspiration?
I think the next time I mess up, I'm just going to pray "Hosanna!" Please save me now, because this is all too much for me.
“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 heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matthew 11:28-30 TPT
What about you? Are you ready to call for help? "Hosanna!"
~~~
* adapted from an earlier post
I'm linking with the communities at Inspire Me Monday, #TellHisStory, InstaEncouragements Link-Up, #TuneInThursday, HeartEncouragement
Yes, indeed! We do need saving.
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I'm identifying with Paul and his declaration of being the Chief of sinners. So glad Christ Jesus has saved me from my sins!
ReplyDeleteSo much of this resonated with me. And I am crying out "Hosanan."
ReplyDeleteWell said. Our world today has the same problems as when Jesus was entering Jerusalem.Thank-you for the definition of Hosanna. I have been praying , Lord help us. Now I can also say, Hosanna.
ReplyDeleteRelished in your words! We certainly need to cry out, Hosanna more and more often!
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