This Sunday is Palm Sunday, the day we celebrate Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem. It is a day of praise and worship and rejoicing in the King of kings and Lord of Lords.
A little boy was sick on Palm Sunday morning so he stayed home from church with his mother. After the service his father returned home holding a palm branch.
The little boy was curious and asked, “Why do you have that palm branch, Dad?”
Dad replied, “You see, son, when Jesus came into town, everyone waved palm branches to honor Him, so we got palm branches today.”
His son replied, “Aw, man! The one Sunday I miss is the Sunday that Jesus shows up!” 😊
From a human viewpoint, Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem was the “high point” of His earthly ministry. Matthew’s Gospel gives us this account (21:8-11).
“A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 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 heaven!’ When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, ‘Who is this?’ The crowds answered, ‘This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.’”
Sadly, the huge crowd that welcomed Jesus with exuberant praises on Sunday were not there to praise Him later that same week. Instead, during his trial the cry was “Crucify Him!”
Why such a radical change? What made the difference? Because Jesus did not come as they expected. They were hoping for a king, a deliverer who would free them from Roman rule and oppression. Jesus came, not to bring political reform, but to bring salvation from sin. He did not come to be an earthly king, but to reign in our hearts.
Worshipping and serving Jesus is not about Emotions but about Choices. It is easy to worship Him when we are caught up in the emotion of the moment and feel the excitement of it all. But that does not last, as is very evident with what happened after the first Palm Sunday. The great crowd of people who welcomed Jesus with shouts of praise had either disappeared or had a marked change of heart later that week. We need to make the hard choice to honor the Lord, whether we feel like it or not.
Plus, worshipping and serving Jesus is not about Intentions, but about Commitment. I’m sure the great crowd on Palm Sunday intended to keep worshipping Him, but intentions don’t last. We need to make a commitment to worship Him, all day and every day, whether we feel like it or not. Why? He is worthy to be praised! Let’s do it! Just do it!
This Sunday, March 24, we will join together to worship the One who is worthy of All praise and glory and honor. Please invite someone to join you at 10:35am in the building or online for the Live broadcast on either Facebook (HonoluluAG) or our YouTube channel (Honolulu Assembly of God). We livestream every Sunday to both locations and would love to have you join us.
Coming Up: Easter Sunday is the following Sunday, March 31. Friends, the Resurrection changes everything! Also, an island-wide, interdenominational Good Friday service will be held at 1st Assembly (Red Hill) March 29 at 4pm and 6pm. Our next Fellowship Lunch (potluck) is scheduled for Sunday, April 7, after the 10:30am service. Please join us.
Update: Major changes are being made to the church sanctuary and platform that are much needed and long awaited. Last Sunday we got a sneak peek of what is happening and this week we will see even more. Much work is being done as we prepare to celebrate our church’s 50th anniversary later this year on the Sunday before Thanksgiving. If you would like to donate to this important project, by envelope or online, your gift will be greatly appreciated.
Aloha ke Akua!