Today during our Palm Sunday service I was thinking on what a deacon had said about how the same people who shouted "Hosanna" and praises to God would later either be silent or were shouting "crucify him".
What would bring about such change in attitude? Well you must consider a few facts. The term "Hosanna" actually is translated "Save or Deliver us". This crowd who was acting like a charismatic group of Pentecostals, was actually look to Jesus to deliver them by becoming King or pulling down the oppressive rule of the Roman Empire.When Jesus accepted their praise but did not deliver their desired outcome, some turned on him, others were just disillusioned.
How many times has God not answered prayer or delivered us in the self-prescribed way we desired? DO we still praise him?
The fact is Christ did bring in the promised deliverance by introducing us to a new way of living, a new Kingdom. This Kingdom does bring about radical change in policy, government and communities but it begins in the inside of the hearts of those who enter relationship with Christ. Christ begins by changing hearts, which in turn transforms individual lives which then touches lives of those we relate with.
This new kingdom has outlasted the Roman Empire and is bigger and more relevant than any man made government or institution. It will result in the overthrow of all injustice and evil.
The power of this Kingdom is Love. It's promise is Hope. It's message is Good News!
We like those on that Jerusalem road that day still need deliverance, we still live under oppressive regimes that are driven by lust for power and greed. However,the Deliverance we need, first comes to our hearts and then to the hearts of others. Lets lift our voices this Palm Sunday for the Savior to "deliver us". However lets not misunderstand how God will bring this about. It is still through the Good News of the Love of God that changes lives.
My faith is not in politicians or government bail out plans. I am calling out for men and women of God in government to implement God's plans of social justice. I am calling out for a people filled with God's Spirit of Love to rise up and lift our voices for justice and for change. I am calling out for the church to stop being part of the problem and to start being the conduit for change. Lets lift our voices to God, Hosanna, Hosanna, Lord we need you
Let's allow the change in us first and then lets be the change we want to see!
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