Palm Sunday

This coming Sunday is Palm Sunday.  It is called that due to the fact that Jesus, on the Sunday prior to His crucifixion, rode into Jerusalem on a small donkey, and folks lay down their coats as well as branches from trees to offer somewhat of a “red carpet treatment” to the Lord.  On that day the crowds were thrilled to be in His presence. They cried out in worship and honor to Him.

            It would be less than a week when the tides of sentiment made a complete 180-degree change.  Many of those who cried out, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord,” on Sunday, cried out, “Crucify him,” on Friday.  This would be shocking except that we have heard the story before. 

            I know that, through the years, I have thought of those crowds with disgust. How in the world could they change their minds that quickly?  How in the world could they be so fickle? How in the world, indeed?

            And then it occurs to me.  I don’t like it, but it is true. I am so much like those people in more ways than I can name.  In fact, I think of the words that James wrote in chapter 3 of his little book.  Speaking of the tongue he declares, “It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who were made in the likeness of God.  From the same mouth come blessing and cursing.  My brothers, these things ought not to be so.” 

            The truth is that I have worshiped God on Sunday, and spoken poorly of another person on Monday.  That is not simply a little mix-up. That is sin. It is blatant rebellion on my part.  And if you are guilty of the same, it is true for you. 

            The people in Jerusalem in the first century were so much like you and me.  But the good news for all of us is this. Jesus died for each of us. He died for our sins, and when we trust Him, our sins are forgiven.

            I am so thankful for the grace of God.  I pray that you have experienced it for yourself.  It is the greatest gift you can receive.