Dear Explorer,
Re-Read Matthew 21:1-11
And
Re-Read Mark 11:1-11
And
Re-Read Luke 19:28-38
And
Re-Read John 12:12-15
Yesterday we talked about the disciples getting a colt for Jesus to ride on into Jerusalem.
There's something else I don't want you to miss. I don't know how much you know about riding horses or donkeys – but there's a little phrase that is powerful if you understand it. These verses say that this colt had never been ridden.
I've seen my Granddaddy White “break” a pony for riding. That is, he would teach it to submit to having something on its back. He would start by placing something lightweight, like a blanket, on its back. The colt would buck and buck ferociously to try to get whatever was on his back off! Then Granddaddy would gradually increase the weight on the colt's back until it would tolerate a 100-pound feed sack. When the colt began to tire from bucking and was beginning to get a little more used to the weight on his back, Granddaddy would attempt to sit on the animal's back. It was usually not a very pretty picture. The animal almost always won the first several rounds – and the trainer had better know how to land because he will be flying off that animal over and over and over. But finally, when the colt was totally exhausted from bucking, it would finally submit to the rider. Sometimes it took several days of this. Sometimes only a few hours. But I've never heard of a colt submitting immediately.
What does that tell you about Jesus' power over animals?
I believe this is just more evidence that Jesus was God. The donkey apparently recognized his Creator and submitted to Jesus' sitting on his back the very first time.
Prophets had said that the Messiah would arrive on a donkey's colt and would ride into the city of Jerusalem. The people immediately responded to this fulfillment of prophecy and they began to sing praises to God for sending their Messiah. The whole town began celebrating because everyone believed that now Jesus would overthrow the Roman government and set the people free politically.
What do you think the disciples were thinking?
Did Jesus deserve this praise and adoration?
If I were one of the disciples, I think I would be so thrilled to realize that after almost 3 years of following Jesus, IT was finally happening. The GREAT DAY had arrived to announce His Kingdom. I think the disciples were bursting with pride and thrilled that finally Jesus was being recognized and honored as the Messiah.
How do you treat Jesus? Do you get excited about His presence or getting to worship Him?
Jesus deserves our constant worship and adoration and praise!
But not everyone was happy that day.
Read Luke 19:39-40
What did Jesus tell them?
I believe Jesus meant it! All creation was excited that the time of the Messiah was near. I wonder what that would have sounded like?
We've recently moved to Florida and I am fascinated by the sounds of the birds and the frogs and even the insects at various times of the day or seasons. Can you imagine if every created thing began to sing-out all at the same time! That would be amazing. When I imagine the rocks singing, I hear a very awesome bass riff under it all. That would be some praise service!
In His service, dale
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