Palms of Purpose

“Much people were come to the Feast of Passover, and when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, they took branches of Palm trees, and went forth to meet Him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord.”  ~ John 12:12-13   

Palms of Praise  — As we enter the Week of our Lord’s Passion we remember: Jesus kept the Passover as Triumphantly He went toward Jerusalem. He paused at the Mt. Of Olives, weeping over His beloved city, because they had not believed their day of His visitation. Jesus proceeds toward Jerusalem with determination in His heart. The worshipers wave their Palm Branches, they throw their garments before Him as He enters the Holy City ... Shouts are heard; “Hosanna, Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord!” Blessed be the Kingdom of our father David that cometh in the name of the Lord, Hosanna in the Highest!” – “Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: Peace in heaven, and Glory in the highest!”  Jesus has a table prepared for His disciples; it is the Last Supper, a time of Communion with His them.  Soon we see Jesus and His disciples singing a hymn and heading toward the Garden for Prayer. This was not just any Prayer but the moment of His heart-breaking decision to surrender His will, to be obedient to His Father – to bring Salvation to God’s people. Great drops of Blood fall to the ground as Jesus gives His Will to His Father.  An angel comforts Him, then He rises to find His disciples sleeping. Judas arrives with the cantankerous religious leaders and kisses Jesus – Jesus addresses him as Friend. Hastily Peter raises his sword and cuts off the soldier’s ear – Jesus heals the enemy’s ear and willingly gives Himself to the captors. Suffering follows!! Rejection rises as they mock Him, spit upon Him, and they smite Him with the Palms of their hands – They shove the Crown of Thrones into His head! And after much abuse they nail our Lord Jesus to the Cross... This is the week of His Passion, we do the Lenten discipline for Him, He suffered and died for us! Let us raise our “Palms” in Thanksgiving, and in Grateful Adoration for the Passion of our Loving Saviour! 

Loving you, Pastor