Reformation Lutheran 1997 Lenten Devotional - Number 40
March 23, 1997. Today's Bible verse is Mark 11: 1-10
Palm Sunday
Let Us Seek to Follow God's Plan as Did Jesus
Jesus came to Jerusalem even though the chief priests
and Pharisees had given orders for his arrest. Jesus had told
the twelve apostles of his coming death as plotted by the chief
priests. They would hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked,
flogged, spit upon and killed. But after three days he would
rise again. No one understood this except Jesus and yet he went
to Jerusalem for the annual week long Passover festival. Jesus
understood God's plan and willingly did his part even though it
would be humiliating and painful.
Jews came from all over the Roman world during this
week long celebration to remember the great exodus from Egypt.
Many in the crowds had heard of or seen Jesus and were hoping
he would come to the feast even though he was under threat of
arrest.
As Jesus entered Jerusalem, they exclaimed "Hosanna",
("meaning, Save, I pray") because they recognized that
Jesus was fulfilling the old testament prophecy that a king would
come to them on a donkey. The crowd did not know where Jesus'
kingship would lead him. But Jesus knew, death on the cross for
our sins so that we may all be able to be a part of God's eternal
kingdom.
Jesus gave so that we may have eternal life. His
giving is the most outstanding example of how we should relate
to God. God has given us His plan in the Bible. Some of the
plan is history and some has not yet happened as foretold in Revelation.
Our roll to follow is not always easy, but if we sincerely try,
make the right choices, learn from our mistakes and repent of
our sins, we too will be with God in his eternal kingdom as He
planned.
Prayer: Dear
Lord, Heavenly Father, please help us be ever mindful of the sacrifices
made by your Son Jesus to take on the burden of our sins. May
this perfect examples of how to follow your plan help us each
deal with life's choices and hardships while ever keeping your
plan in mind that will lead us to be with You in your ever lasting
kingdom. Amen.
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