Sweat beads on the forehead of the Son of Man. The small donkey feels a rush of anxiety as the throngs come into view, but Jesus calms him with a gentle stroke of his side. With just a slight movement of his body forward he instructs the animal to take him to his destiny. Palm Sunday. Outside the gate to the holiest of all cities, Jerusalem, the crowds have gathered to finally get a glimpse of the man they’ve heard so much chatter of. The rock star of his era. The one who raises the dead, heals the blind and sick, and turns the wicked to the pure. Jesus the man feels what all humans would feel at the center of that type of hysteria…butterflies…deep in the pit of his gut. Still he rides forward on this donkey chosen for its symbolism – humility and peace. He comes to them as a servant…though he is a king. The King of Kings.
The early celebration has long since faded away. The people have turned. The politics are thick with conspiracy. Blood…as it always is…stands front and center at attention. The Roman is worked up in a demonic like state as his body shakes with hatred and his hand grasps the rusted spike. His lip quivers and his eyes are glossed over in the unholy stare that all killers get in the midst of their act. He’s euphoric. His mighty arm lifts high in the air and then drives down in a furious rage as the spike crushes into the bones of Christ. His hand shatters. The blood of the perfect lamb splatters the face of the Roman. His tongue licks at it rabidly…and he snorts. 3 days later the tomb is empty. The crowds have left. The Roman screams out from his sleep as his soul senses what he has done. Jesus Christ has risen. The way, the truth and the life. No man shall enter the kingdom except through him.
The people stare up in paralyzing shock. The atmosphere has parted and the portal to Heaven has opened in the sky. A great white horse appears…snorting the fierce judgment of the Lord…and the rider is called, “Faithful and True.” His eyes look to be on fire. The King of Kings has returned to Jerusalem…and a great sword comes from His mouth to strike the nations. The day of the Kingdom has come. Lord of Lords. Peace and justice eternal.
The question is do you believe? My personal urging to you is…find a church this Holy Week. Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday…Easter Sunday. Pray for God to lead you to where and just go. Take a leap of faith.
God Bless You,
Gary Abernathy
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