One day, many years ago, people lined dusty streets to catch a glimpse of the man called Jesus. They waved palms in adoration and laid them at His feet, shouting, “Hosanna! Hosanna!”Hosanna is a shout of praise. A hallelujah - and an alleluia. It’s a cheer, a hurrah, a whoop, a song of praise, a glorification, and an exaltation.
They believed Him to be a king, but they didn’t understand who He really was and His purpose for living among us. It wasn’t long before palms were tossed to the side, and He was tossed in front of those who would put Him to death.
The people followed, allowing themselves to get caught up in the frenzy. “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!” They shouted obscenities at the man they had just honored with songs of praise and exaltation.
Today, we don’t cheer the beating and death of Christ. But we don’t necessarily praise and exalt Him as Lord and King, either . . .
Don’t you think that a bit odd? Considering we not only believe Him to be a king. We know Him to be THEE King. Our Savior. Our Lord.
We don’t have to speculate as to what He might do for us, our family, or our community. We KNOW what He did. Not only for us, but for all mankind.
This Sunday we’ll wave palms in our church and shout, “Hosanna!” But they will be subdued exclamations. Despite the easy-going and contemporary nature of our congregation, we’re still fairly conservative when it comes to worship.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could all abandon our inhibitions and praise God as I believe He intended us to? Unfortunately, I don’t believe that’s truly possible until we join Him in heaven, are in His presence, and stand in awe.
So . . . in the meantime, as we wave those palms this Palm Sunday . . . and as we walk through Holy Week in preparation for the Easter celebration . . . maybe we could at least abandon all to Him in our hearts. And praise Him as He deserves to be praised.
Hosanna! Hosanna! Blessed be the King!
Dawn
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