What a powerful chapter, so many lessons to be not only learned, but absorbed. I have come to realize that I not only need to learn about the truth of God’s Word, but in order to live for Christ in this world I have to absorb it into every ounce of me.
I think about the disciples that were ordered by Jesus to go into town that day and get the colt. What were they thinking? I am sure they thought it was a strange request, but they did it anyway. How many times have I not done something that Jesus asked me to do because I didn’t understand? I would probably be embarrassed if I added them all up. I don’t know about you, but I have got to stop trying to figure everything out and just do what Jesus asks me to do---it is just that simple! Then I try to imagine what it would be like to be there where everyone is spreading some type of covering on the road before Jesus. In the midst of a crowd shouting “Hosanna in the highest”, while the Highest is passing before me. Then I think He is here, he is right in the midst of everything I do, whether I acknowledge him or not---He is right here as I write these words. And now I can’t help but cry because of two reasons---the thought that he is here and the thought of how many times I have failed to recognize him.
How real he was in the temple that day. How disappointed he must have been in what was taking place in the temple, his house. Is he disappointed with what is taking place in my house? Is he disappointed with what is taking place in our churches? Our schools? Our work places? Our government? My children and I pray every morning on the way to school and we make a point to pray that no matter where we go, no matter what we are doing we ask God to help us to remember him first in all that we do, to seek him before any decision and to guide our words, actions, and thoughts to conform to his will. Now I know that my children and I do not have perfect days, but we say this to acknowledge that we serve Jesus Christ and that we know that we are not capable within ourselves to be good without Him living within us. So while we mess up, I honestly think that we are not disappointing God. While the church is a sacred place, I also think that as Christians our responsibility for conducting ourselves appropriately should follow us no matter where we find ourselves.
As I read about the fig tree I couldn’t help but think about the fruit that I bear. I so don’t want Jesus to find me useless to his kingdom. Just to be perfectly honest, I want Jesus to think, ‘I love Rosanne, I wish she would listen to me more, but I see that she is being a witness and that she is striving to learn more about me, that she is growing in me each day.’ I know that my fruit may not be as bountiful and as beautiful as it needs to be, but I want Jesus to find me about his business, I want him to find me loving him more each day. You know if I could tell Jesus one thing, I would tell him that I love him. I am so grateful, so thankful for everything he has blessed me with, but in all honesty I just want him to know that I truly love him with all that I have in me.
The religious leaders of that time questioned Jesus’ authority----we should not be surprised when people question us and what we stand for. The Bible is very plain when it speaks of the trials, tribulations, and persecutions that we as Christians will face. We are to count it all as joy. I will be the first to admit that the valley is no fun place to be, but praise God that I find myself there because of two reasons…It is truly the place in which I grow closer to Christ and I know I am living for Jesus when the world attacks.
So I covered more scripture than I usually do, but it just kept coming tonight and I thank God for the message that he gave me through these scriptures, His Words. I continue to be amazed at his grace and mercy in my life. I thank him for opening my eyes and my heart a little more today to see a little clearer His will for my life. Thank you God for revealing the truth through your Word!
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