Journey to Jerusalem: HOSANNA! O God, save us!

Journey to Jerusalem: IN BODY & SOUL

The Journey to Jerusalem brings us just in time to see Jesus riding on a donkey; the King of Peace coming into Jerusalem.

Luke 19:28-38

After he had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem.
When he had come near Beth phage and Bethany, at the place called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of the disciples, saying, “Go into the village ahead of you, and as you enter it you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ just say this, ‘The Lord needs it.’” So those who were sent departed and found it as he had told them. As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, “Why are you untying the colt?”They said, “The Lord needs it.” Then they brought it to Jesus; and after throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. As he rode along, people kept spreading their cloaks on the road. As he was now approaching the path down from the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the deeds of power that they had seen, saying,
“Blessed is the king
who comes in the name of the Lord!
Peace in heaven,
and glory in the highest heaven!”

HOSANNA!

O God, save us!

Ride into our lives

of chaos and stress.

Ride into our lives

of busy and rush.

Ride into our lives

of division and distress.

Bring your peace, O Prince of Peace.

Lord, I am mindful

that some Bible scholars

have said that on Palm Sunday,

there were two parades:

1. You riding on a donkey
the humble King of Peace
from the Mount of Olives
surrounded by the symbols of peace
with palm branches and
shouts of HOSANNA!
Hebrew for O God, save us!

2. Govenor Pontius Pilate
riding on a war horse
surrounded by the symbols of the Roman empire
swords, soldiers, & imperial banners
with shouts of praise to
Caeasar called the "Son of God"
and praise for the Pax Romana
peace made from forced submission.

O Lord,

times haven't changed too much.

As you ride into our lives

as the Prince of Peace this Palm Sunday,

our news media sings the praises

of the power and posturing of some politicians,

of war and terror and fear,

of promised well-being

through power and show of force.

Your Kingdom is not of this world.

And yet you teach us to pray:

"Thy kingdom come,

Thy will be done

on earth..."

Ride into our lives

and teach us to join in

your kingdom work

on earth.

Amen.

   

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During Lent at Westminster Presbyterian Church, we are committing to journey the 6,284 miles
from Columbia, South Carolina to Jerusalem, Israel in our walking, running, swimming, cycling, etc. Track your miles and submit them: www.westminsterpres.org LET'S GO!!