John 12:12-19
Reflect
There are many examples of optical illusions where a phrase has has a repeated word or only only the frist and lsat ltteer are in the rhgit pclae. Similarly in life, we see what we want or interpret the message to make the most sense of things. As Jesus entered Jerusalem, many saw what they wanted to see. No doubt, due to their oppression by Rome, Jesus was greeted by shouts of “Hosanna!” Hosanna in its original meaning was not a declaration of praise but petition meaning “save us now” or “please deliver us”. Jesus intentionally rode on a donkey because it is a symbol of peace, and people failed to recognize it. The disciples, who Jesus had explained what was going to happen more than once, did not understand what was happening. The religious leaders failed to see who Jesus was and what His intentions were. These misunderstandings were not because Jesus was not clear enough, but because those around Him failed to look beyond their own immediate desires to see a bigger picture of salvation and deliverance.
Apply
What is the bigger picture of salvation that we might sometimes lose sight of in the midst of day to day life? Are we taking the time to see what God is up to in the world and look at what Jesus wants to accomplish in us and through us?
Pastor Mike
Pray
- Pray for Pastor Lyle, his family and ministry.
- Pray for Eric Peters, Facility Manager; Custodians, Adit Gamble, Stan Goodnough and Anne King; Maintenance, Joe Richards.
- Pray for our Church Board members: Barbara Whidden, Bee Stiansen, Cam Klapstein, Darryl Sparling, Gerhard Hiob, Julie Leverette, Marvin Schneider, Matt Barker, Matt Chute, Mike Pedde, and Nick Mitchell.
- Pray for our office staff: Robin Radke and Naomi Voss; Bookkeeper Lynette Carlson.