In Matthew 21:9-11- it is very clear that those on that Palm Sunday so long ago knew precisely what they were doing and to whom they were doing it.
The text reads: "And the multitudes that went before , and that followed, cried, saying, 'Hosanna to the SON OF DAVID: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the hightest'. And when he was come into Jeruslem, all the city was moved, saying, 'Who is this'? And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee."
What would have turned the minds of people so quickly away from the truth about Jesus to the extent that just a few days later He was crucified? We all know that the Cross had to come, but what happened to change such a moved multitude into such a murderous multitude?
In the first place, if the President of the United States came to your town, Republicans and Democrats alike would line the streets just to say they saw the President. It is human nature.
There have no doubt been those you have invited to church with you who "loved" the service and the pastor - to never return. Like it or not, it is a fact of life.
And then, they were in the midst of a positive crowd on that "Palm Sunday." Being in the midst of a crown can be an extremely moving experience. There are those in a church service this Sunday, who because they are in the midst of a celebrating crowd celebrate with them. There are also those who are attending dead services in dead churches week after week who always say something needs to be done, but nothing ever is.
So people are fickle. People are easily influenced. People may praise one day and curse the next. BUT we must remember that just because people participate does not make them pardoned. One may clap and sing and be happy on the outside, but be dead men's bones on the inside.
Whited sepulcres are not uncommon. It is so easy to put on the paint and pretend EVEN with good intentions and then a day or so later - TURN. We have all seen it happen.
Just remember one thing! It is never the multitudes who truly love Jesus, but the minority - the few who are faithful whether it is sunny or rainy; hot or cold; in pain or in comfort - always the same Jesus loving, giving, serving, helping, caring, consistent few.
Don't just wave a palm today - bear the pain!
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment