Welcome to Hank’s Place —
Today is Palm Sunday, marking Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem 2,000 years ago. It would be His final Passover for He was about to become our Passover Lamb, our willing sacrifice that would make us believers spotless sons and daughters of Almighty God.
Fulfilling prophecy every step of the way, Matthew 21 records Jesus riding a colt amidst a large procession approaching Jerusalem. The crowds were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David; Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest!”
When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the people went wild with excitement. Some asked, “Who is this man?” And the crowds shouted back, “This is Jesus! He’s the prophet from Nazareth of Galilee!” Jesus was atop the popularity charts!
But then Jesus went directly into the temple area, drove away all the merchants who were buying and selling their goods. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the stands of those selling sacred doves. Upsetting the status quo, He declared, “My dwelling place will be known as a house of prayer, but you have made it into a hangout for thieves!”
Then He healed the blind and the crippled, and all who came to Him. Children surrounded Him and shouted, “Blessings and praises to the Son of David!”
What an awesome time! I hope we can all see reruns of this when we get to heaven! Jesus was challenged incessantly by the chief priests and religious leaders. They despised His praises. They questioned His authority. They fumed over His parables pointing out their wickedness and prophesying the stone which the builders rejected would become the chief cornerstone. He warned those men, saying in Matthew 23, that “Great sorrow awaits you religious scholars and you Pharisees—such frauds and pretenders!” That’s God-courage and boldness! Only Jesus knew what was soon coming in a few days.
Jesus also foretold the end of the age, following “the good news of heaven’s kingdom being proclaimed all over the world, providing every nation with a demonstration of the reality of God.” Passion Translation. And after assuring us of His return, He admonishes us to live life as if His appearing could be the next moment. In other words, live godly each day.
Can we live life godly? YES, for thankfully 2 Peter 1:3 assures us that “By His divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life.” You and I have what it takes!
And what do we do when living godly? That’s summed up quite well in 1 Peter 4:7-11, namely, be given to prayer, be devoted to our fellow believers, be compassionate to the stranger and foreigner, use spiritual gifts to serve one another, and give God glory in all things!
So live godly today — and COME ALIVE!
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