bits from bob....

Hosanna!

by Robert J. Young
©, 2002, Robert J. Young
[permission is given to reprint with credit noted]

"Then the multitudes...cried out, saying ‘Hosanna to the Son of David!'" (Matt. 21:9)

Spring is almost here--at least so says the calendar. The vernal equinox occurs this weekend. I knew it was coming. "Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras) is over. "Ash Wednesday" has come and gone. Many of our religious neighbors are observing "Lent." "Easter" can't be far away!
I'm thankful for God's every-year promise of resurrection power. I love the budding trees and early flowers--harbingers of God's re-creative power, both in nature and persons.

As Sundays considered special by much of Christendom approach, I wonder how many of those who enthusiastically cried, "Hosanna!" on Sunday cried "Crucify him!" the next Sunday. Were any disappointed, even angry, that Christ didn't use his power to set up an earthly kingdom? Was he missing a golden opportunity?
Many fail to recognize that before Jesus openly asserts his sovereignty, he has to rule in the hearts of people. The greatest need of the Jews was not release from Caesar's rule but release from the prison of pride, self-righteousness, and rebellion. The kingdom of Christ is not of this world. Its priority is not providing physical blessings, but spiritual. Only that view will understand when the Messiah dies to be raised--when the Messiah's rule and kingdom are spiritual, not physical.

The issue today is unchanged. Christ does not offer immunity from life's hardships, cure for every disease, and financial success. Christ is not honored by stringent diets as much as by soft hearts.
It is good to shout "Hosanna!" I wish every person in our world knew Christ well enough to shout "Hosanna!" It would be better to live for him 365 days each year. The indulgence of "Fat Tuesday" would be eliminated and the artificial asceticism of Ash Wednesday and Lent would then be meaningless.

Putting Christ first brings satisfaction that lasts!


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Last updated January 7, 2002.