The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,
“Hosanna to the Son of David!”
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”
“Hosanna in the highest!” --Matthew 21:9
(Disclaimer: Today's blog, plain and simple, is a collection of stolen thoughts, coupled with my own reflections. I have been reading a lot of different things this morning, but everything seems to swing back to Palm Sunday-- and Indians baseball. Hence, the title.)
Steve Goodier (www.LifeSupportSystem.com) is one of my favorite bloggers. In his latest blog post, he writes about Jeremy Bentham, a wealthy man of influence who, when he died in 1832, left his estate to University College London. There was one stipulation: He was to be embalmed, dressed up and brought to preside over the annual meeting of the university's administrators.
Guess what? Apparently Jeremy Bentham is still wheeled in every year. For many years, in the minutes of the meeting the secretary noted he was "present, but not voting." He was there, all right, but had nothing to say about anything.
Take a minute here to think about that (and have a good smile).
* * * * *
Rowland Croucher (http://jmm.aaa.net.au/) regularly posts questions, articles, etc., for discussion on his Facebook page. Recently he sought reflections on "the crowd" when Jesus entered Jerusalem. Many preachers will posit that the crowd that hailed him on that day was the same crowd that cried for his crucifixion later in the week, while others believe there were two crowds: one that adored him; the other, made up of Pharisees and other Jewish power-wielders who were threatened by this Christ.
Take several minutes here to think on that one. Here is a link to Matthew's telling of the Triumphal Entry:
Allow yourself to "be" in Jerusalem.
Where are you? Are you waving palm fronds and spreading your cloak in the dusty road?
Is that you, wondering what all the excitement is about, trying to get a closer look at this man-proclaimed-Messiah?
Are you off to one side, whispering to other like-minded souls, unbelieving that this man riding a colt could possibly be the King promised by Isaiah, Zechariah and others?
And as you read, ponder this: That word, "Hosanna!" that appears over and over again actually means, "Save us!"
* * * * *
Thursday, April 9, is Opening Day for the Cleveland Indians. The slogan this year is, "What if?" Given my team's propensity for big dreamin' and often disappointing seasons, this seems like a really good spin.
Often, by July or August, "What if?" becomes, "If only. . . ."
So I am left thinking what if and if only with regards to Jesus' arrival that day in Jerusalem, riding a donkey, greeted overtly with hosannas and shouts of praise, but later taken into custody, scourged and beaten and crucified with barely a trial.
What if?
What if those in the shadows, those curious bystanders, had asked more questions, spoken up more loudly, that the voices of the Pharisees might be drowned?
What if Jesus' own disciples had had the deeper faith he offered, and had stood strong in the face of the plot to kill the Christ?
What if Peter had not denied the Lord?
What if Judas repented and returned to the loving arms Jesus offered, rather than selling himself for thirty pieces of silver?
Oh, if only. If only those disciples hadn't been so darned-- human.
* * * * *
Like the start of a new baseball season, every Easter season brings new hope, new promise, new life. Find the hope, take the comfort-- and do not be afraid to sit with your doubts or your fears. Just do not allow those fears to paralyze you or silence your life story.
Thank you, Lord God, for your wisdom that stretches so far beyond our doubts, our "if onlies." Help us to place all trust in you, knowing and believing that perfect Love casts out all fear. Amen.
What if Jesus had not bowed his head in obedience to the Father?
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