Palm Sunday!

Why do I love Palm Sunday so much?

Well, to begin, it stirs up all kinds of pleasant memories from my childhood and that is always nice. But I would have to say the main reason I enjoy it is because it marks the end of winter and the arrival of spring for me. I know it isn’t the literal day on the calendar that we transition from winter to spring, but it definitely marks a shift in my thinking when I expect to wake up to singing birds and the very soon beauty of flowers bursting through the thawed soil.


Palm Sunday is a celebration declaring new life, hope and triumph. Jesus has arrived as the King of Peace in Jerusalem. We are invited to join the throngs of people 2000 years ago lifting our voices with our greatest needs. The Triumphal entry into Jerusalem is a belief that there is a deliverer. It is a united belief that no matter what burdens, pains or fears held us captive yesterday there can be a better today. It is a confidence that there is a light that will conquer darkness coming over the horizon!


Hosanna!
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!
Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!
Hosanna in the highest heaven!
Mark 11.9b-10


An accurate paraphrase could be:
Save Us Jesus!
You are the ONE God sent to deliver the Eternal Kingdom promised to David.
You will save us with the power of heaven!


It is a simple expression of desperation and faith. It is trusting that the one who hears the cries is the one that can meet the need. But a couple of key components at work here are honesty and humility.


This Sunday we will gather together to corporately lift our voices in confession and redemption. Our hearts and minds will be invited to bask in grace and freedom. Hopefully you will be able to be a part of our Palm Sunday worship. But today I want you to consider a personal encounter with the King of Kings coming to you wherever you are reading this.


Time and distance do not diminish the power of Jesus to be the only one worthy of our “Hosanna!” cries today. What is it for you?
· Emptiness or despair?
· Selfishness?
· Fears?
· Destructive behaviors or attitudes?
· Prisons of affirmation or approval addiction?
· Wasting your life on…?
Jesus has come for you! Not only is He able to save you, but He already knows from what you need to be saved. He is the long-awaited answer for you and for me. Don’t pretend anymore. Bring all your joys and all your sorrows. Bring your triumphs and your tragedies. You need to bring it all – Hosanna JESUS! Here I am.


Hosanna!
Pastor Nick