Yesterday was Palm Sunday.

I love to picture the crowds when Jesus triumphantly entered Jerusalem that first Palm Sunday a couple thousand years ago. The excitement started as a small hum as people called out “Hosanna,” and laid palm branches before Jesus as He rode along on a donkey. Others picked up the refrain until the sound swelled into a roar that the whole city heard. “Hosanna, Blessed is he that comes in the name of the Lord!”

The word “Hosanna” means “Oh, Save Us Now.”

On that first Palm Sunday, the people were hoping for a deliverance from Roman rulers.  They didn’t understand that Jesus came to bring spiritual deliverance, not a physical deliverance at that time.

Over two thousand years later, I find that I need saving. Of course, I need salvation. Favor with God or eternal life cannot be earned.  They are received because I am a sinner who repents, trusts in Christ, and believe on His name.

But in addition to that, I need to be saved from myself.

I am my own worst enemy.

Most of the time, I know what I should do.  For example, Matthew 28:41 tells me, “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” I need to ever be in a vigilant state and to pray that I won’t fall.  But, I’m lazy or I grow complacent and think, ” I’ve been doing so well, I don’t have to worry about falling.” Beware! Thinking you won’t fall is an invitation to disaster.

I am convinced I need to keep my thoughts on good, true, lovely and pure things. [See Philippians 4:8] Yet, it is so easy to fall in the trap of watching or reading the news and start dwelling on all the things that is wrong in my world.  Pretty soon, I’m depressed.

I know I need to rest. In fact, God thinks rest is so important, He set aside a whole day for resting. Instead, I over-commit and over-book myself to where there is little time to just “be.”  Sometimes, the most creative ideas come when you are doing nothing.  If your mind is jammed-full of thoughts, how can there be room for inspiration?

Hosanna Days

I think the next time I mess up, I’m just going to call “Hosanna!” Please save me now! 

In fact, I’m sure there are going to be “Hosanna Days,” days where I mess up so totally, my only hope would be a Savior who will take my burdens in exchange for His.  Because His burden is light.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” 

Matthew 11:28-31 NIV

What now?

There’s a lot to ponder about that significant day over two thousand years ago. For one thing, the very same crowd that called for Jesus to become King became the crowd who called for his crucifixion just a few days later.

I also like to mull over the fact that the palm branches used to reenact the triumphal entry of Christ are then saved, dried, and burned to make the ash smeared on foreheads on Ash Wednesday. It feels like poetic justice to use the signs of a celebration from people whose hearts were so easily turned to mark the sin and need for deliverance that we so desperately need.

What choice do you make? Do you choose the path of following your Savior, your King, and become part of His kingdom – even if it doesn’t look like you thought it would? Or, will you follow the path away from Him because you wanted something that looked different?

(Adapted from an earlier post published at Jerralea’s Journey.)

Note: Both this blog and Jerralea’s Journey has been quiet the last couple of weeks. I have been in caretaker mode since my husband has had both a knee replacement surgery and an emergency surgery due to a fall. I hope to resume my series, “A Rich and Satisfying Life,” in the near future. In the meantime, I’m sharing some of my favorite Holy Week themed posts from the past. I hope you enjoy.

I’m sharing this post at Inspire Me Monday, Tell His Story, InstaEncouragements Link-Up, Let’s Have Coffee, Recharge Wednesday

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