Palms of Praise

“I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and Palms in their hands; And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the Throne, and unto the Lamb.” ~ Rev 7:9-14

Each year as we come to the Season of our Lord’s Suffering and Crucifixion, we remember the eventful journey of Jesus into Jerusalem: the throng of people following Him, throwing their clothing on the ground before Jesus as He came on His way to Jerusalem. The waving of Palm leaves and the voices of Praise filled the air. So often we talk about the “shallow Praise” because too soon, the same “praises” laid down their Palm leaves and began condemning our Lord. But let us see the waving of True Palms of Praise! Here in Revelation we get a glimpse into Heaven and we see a huge enumerable host of heaven standing before the throne of God weaving Palms and Praising wholeheartedly the God of their Salvation. We can do not less!  What an awesome moment in heaven when we are gathered round the throne engulfed in the Highest Praise ever offered unto the God of our Salvation. Praise is of great importance to God, it is our way of thanking Him, honoring Him, and showing our Love to Him. His greatest desire is that our Praise be from the heart and not just from our lips. Jesus speaks about this in Matt. 15:8 “This people draweth nigh unto Me with their mouth, and honoureth Me with their lips; but their heart is far from Me.” Thus we have the “shallow praises” as Jesus journeys toward Jerusalem.  The hearts of the those who worshipped Him was far from Him. Perhaps they remembered the wilderness where He had fed them …? But they had not heard the Message of Salvation that He had come to Save them. This brings me to another Message in the Book of Revelation; “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the Churches.” Seven times in Revelation, Jesus speaks those Words. Jesus disciples were dull of hearing, they followed Him, partook of the miracles, saw the dead raised to life, yet their ears did not hear. O God may we as Your Church today, Hear Your voice and offer Praises from our heart. And may we be “alert” as You Prepare to come for us! Loving you, Pastor