Palm Sunday

Good morning – and happy Palm Sunday! Today is the day that Christians around the world remember how Jesus was celebrated By his followers as he entered the gates of Jerusalem, throwing down blankets in his path, and swaying large palm branches overhead. It was a parade and Jesus was the guest of honor.

We know that the festive mood quickly changed as the week went along (Holy Week) And the powers to be worried abut Jesus and his influence. They did not want Him to be a ‘distraction’ and they thought he would create a revolt. Little did Pontius Pilate and Herod know that Jesus was the truth, and the Word himself, incarnate, and His power was greater than all of them. He came humbly, and he knew His mission – and He knew it would not be easy.

I don’t want to get ahead of myself. We know Good Friday and Easter are coming. But, thinking about the change in people During that time, and in their inability to stay true to Jesus – it seems to be a real indictment of who we Christians are today. How easily we can be swayed. How pretty the opposition can look at times. How comfortable it is to stand on the sidelines.

Jesus told his disciples that following Him, and spreading the Word throughout the land, was not going to be easy. And it wasn’t. Travel was tiring. They lived off the goodness of people along the way. They left their families and their belongings and went into lands unsure of what would happen. But faith in God kept them going. Without the tenacity, and the assurance from Jesus, they might well have quit. Christianity would never be known – in their region and around the world. It was hard and at times the disciples were made fun of, and were not believed and they were persecuted.

Thinking of today, I see a comparison of those traveling great distance to find the goodness of people, who will bring them in and feed them. A people who have walked through dusty and hot land, and who are unsure of what lies ahead.

Jesus provided the Word, and the hope, and ultimately salvation to the disciples and to his followers. He still does. So, when we look at those at the border, or those in third world countries who live by faith, I wonder – are we the good neighbor to let them in for awhile? Are we the ones to heed the words of Jesus? Can we speak up in His name? Can we help the thirsty and hungry?

Today is Palm Sunday and we will wave our palms at church. I’m about to go to my church – and I look forward to it, and I can’t wait to sing the familiar Hosannah hymns.

The week ahead from that first Palm Sunday was horrific. And, our weeks sometimes seem the same way. Afraid. Doubting. Staying quiet. Or, denying.

Will we be strong enough to put our faith in God? When the going gets tough, and when the pain is great, can we turn to the words of Jesus and follow Him?