Sunday, June 30, 2013

I Don't Want To...


“Whoever wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else.” (Mark 9:35 NLT)

I've been thinking about this verse a lot over the last week. I honestly believe it is because God is whispering it into my ear, of course, at the perfect time. To be honest, I don't like this verse. I don't like what God is requiring of me in it. I don't like the very humbling actions I have to take to obey it. I don't want to being a slave. 

I work in customer service. I work at a pediatric dental office in Scottsdale, Arizona. We pride ourselves in being the best of the best. "The Nordstrom's of Pediatric Dentistry." Next year marks the completion of my 7th year there. I never would have pictured myself working in dentistry, working with people. One thing about me is I am an introvert. I am a paper pusher. I would be completely content sitting in a little cubicle, adding numbers or filling out forms. Instead, I work with people. Have you ever met people? People are scary! People are selfish! People want to be in charge and to be the queens and kings of their own lives. These are the people God has chosen for me to serve every day. 

Last week, I just didn't feel like being a slave. I'm not sure if there were more demanding people for me to help, or if I just noticed it a bit more than usual. I remember thinking things like, "Really, they didn't even say thank you!?" or "I went way out of my way to do that and they weren't even grateful!" ... and right about that time was when this verse was almost audibly reminded to me in my heart. 

I heard the reminder so clearly, "Servant of All." As I was standing by our postage machine on Thursday, I was reminded of Jesus washing His follower's feet. I was reminded of Jesus' birth in a barn. I was reminded of Jesus, on a rushed journey to a dying girl, stopping to address a woman who had reached out to Him. I was reminded of Jesus' early morning alone time being interupted as crowds of people came to Him to be healed. I was reminded of Jesus being disrupted from a nap to calm the ragging sea and His follower's fears. And today, I was reminded of His death. 

Imagine Him in the garden of Gethsemane, as He battled His own will. Imagine Him crying out, "I don't want to do this!"  "My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want Your will to be done, not mine." (Matthew 26:39 NLT)  Jesus was a person just like me. He knew the torcher that He was about to go through. He knew that people would not be grateful, and most experiencing His crucifixion would not even understand that I would be the most imporantant event in history! They wouldn't know what He was experiencing. They wouldn't feel His pain as he suffered excruciating agony not only through His body, but through His soul as He would bearing God's wrath for all man-kind's sins. Imagine the fear He experienced. If He is anything like me, He would be trying to figure out any way possible to get out of the situation. He would be planning His escape or a plan B for bringing about salvation to the World. And as I look at this view of Christ, that He stayed true to God's painful plan for His life, it put a completely different perspective on His call for us of servitude. 

Look at the verses surrounding the call for us to be slaves:

Leaving that region, they traveled through Galilee. Jesus didn’t want anyone to know he was there, for he wanted to spend more time with his disciples and teach them. He said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of his enemies. He will be killed, but three days later he will rise from the dead.” They didn’t understand what he was saying, however, and they were afraid to ask him what he meant. After they arrived at Capernaum and settled in a house, Jesus asked his disciples, “What were you discussing out on the road?” But they didn’t answer, because they had been arguing about which of them was the greatest. He sat down, called the twelve disciples over to him, and said, “Whoever wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else.” (Mark 9:30-35 NLT) 

His very own followers were supposed to understand Him and know His teachings and what He stood for! As He told them of His coming death, they were clueless and immediately started to argue about which of them would be the greatest! Maybe they were wondering where at the table Leondaro da Vinci would be placing them for his famous Last Supper painting?! They completely missed the moral of the story! 

Jesus tells them, if greatness truly what you want, you must be a "Slave to All." Then He follows up with prime example of being "The Slave of All" by giving up Himself to pay the price for OUR wrongs. 

What a humbling time of communion. What more can you say than "Thank You, Jesus." Honestly, it doesn't look so bad anymore to enslave myself to fellow man-kind. Whether it be at your work, at the store, to your family or friends, and yes even strangers... I pray that God willl remind you of the blessings that come from laying down your own self, and placing others needs (and wants) above your own. May the Holy Spirit, Himself give you the strength and faithfulness to live a life like Jesus did. Even when we want to say, "I don't want to."


Sincerely,
Jen















Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Fruit

Most of the time, I write things from my quiet times. This is from our time at church and the things God placed on my heart. I must say it is so refreshing to spend time with God. It is really not that hard to do. You just have to make time for it and be in a setting where you're not distracted (which can be nearly impossible in 2013). 

I'm so blessed by the things God is doing at our church. It is not because of the men and women serving there... it is simply His Holy Spirit speaking into our hearts in the time we allow to quiet ourselves before Him. Here is what I have been learning:


-----------------------------------

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! (Galatians 5:22, 23 NLT) 

Some serious questions come to heart when I read this verse:
  • Are these fruit evident in my life? 
    • When people look at my life from the outside, without seeing into my heart, would they pin these attributes on me as a person? Am I loving? Do I have Joy or Peace? Am I a patient person? (... and so on)
  • Am I actually producing these fruit?
    • When do some self examining, do I really have these attributes? Am I a loving, good, faithful person?
  • What Fruit am I lacking?
    • This answer, I know, can change from time to time depending on circumstance or attitude or how much coffee/sleep I have had. But I don't think that is really the way it works. Let me explain why:

I cannot force myself to produce these fruit. There is nothing of myself that I can do to force out these fruit. It is exclusively the work of the Holy Spirit

God saved you by His grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.  Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. (Ephesians 2:8, 9 NLT)

I want to encourage you to take a minute and evaluate yourself as well with each questions. Pray for the Holy Spirit to search your heart and be honest with Him in your response.
  • Am I giving the Holy Spirit what He needs to produce these fruit in my life? 
    • a willing heart, time reserved for Him or a heart prepared for Holy gardening
Of course, our mighty and amazing God, Who created the world and all in it merely my speaking can do supernatural things in the depths of our hearts where no one besides Him can go. But the question is, am I inviting Him there? Am I allowing time to sit quietly before His feet? Am I asking Him to soften my stubborn heart to be plyable and moldable?
  • Am I fighting against it
    • This can be done so many ways. I know you're probably thinking of what you struggle with now. I could be from as simple as being distracted to as serious of a sin that you won't let go of. My personal biggest struggle is that of time and just making it a priority to sit quietly.
  • Am I doing something to prevent fruit from growing?
    • 1 Thessalonians 5:19 Paul says in his final few statements of advice merely "Do not stifle the Holy Spirit." No more detail than that given. I think the specifics of that can be worked out with Him and us in our own hearts. What, Oh God, am I doing to stifle You or Your works?

  • Am I fertilizing my heart and prepping it for growth? 
    • I want to have a willing heart. I want God to work in me His wonders. I want Him to weed from me my mistakes. I want Him to work through me His plans.

God will do the work and bring about these fruit by meditation upon Him. I must not forget the necessity of quiet time for these fruit to be produced!!

Do I HAVE joy? Peace? Patience? If the answer is no...  it will ultimately be remedied only by meditation upon God and His word. No other thing will eliviate these ailments. They may cover up or numb but they will not truly and ultimately rid our hearts of the selfish cancer we've all be born into known as sinful nature.

May I remember HE is the source of all goodness and the source of His fruit. I need to remember this isn't the "Fruit of Jen." It's not MY joy, it's not MY patience (of which I have needed in high demand recently with my kids.)

The things which I seem to rely upon myself for are patience, faithfulness, and self-control. When these things are lacking I question myself with "Why aren't you being patient?" or "Why can't you commit to this and follow through?" In reality, the faithfulness, the control, and the patience that I need are things that can only come from the Spirit of God. These are HIS attributes.  They're not mine. They don't come naturally. Naturally I'm a selfish... self consumed... self centered. There is nothing I can do on my own to change. I know many may disagree. They think that at the heart of people, there is goodness. I know this is wrong just by looking at myself. Seriously. Just stop. Look inside your heart and your motives, your secret feelings, maybe some bitterness you have towards someone, maybe something you have lied about, something you have hidden from everyone, something that you wouldn't want anyone to know. You can answer for yourself.

I have been working on this post for quite a few weeks now. I have been mediating upon exactly what it is that God is showing me. Yesterday I saw the perfect and most sincere example:

Charlee, Jovee and I were having lunch with a friend and my girls were sharing a pita. True to their personalities, Charlee was taking little nibbles as Jovee had scarfed down her whole portion of pita bread. Charlee gently offered Jovee a large piece of her pita, as Jovee was starting to freak over the remaining food that was not immediately going into her mouth. Our friend Jessica asked Charlee how she became such a good big sister and she simply said, "I don't know... but I'm pretty sure it's Jesus."

Yes! She was exactly right! It is Jesus. I couldn't tell you how proud I was of my sweet 4 year old daughter who has got it down! She understands what most Christians take a lifetime to learn! It is not us. Not even a little. 


Holy Spirit, 
Please bestow upon us YOUR joy... YOUR love... YOUR fruit! Thank You for the reminder that I don't need to look deep in myself for the best person I can be. Thank You that in YOU and by Your Holy Spirit, I can be better than myself. I can be a shining example of YOU. Perfectly peaceful, loving, joyful, and patient. Perfectly kind, gentle, and self controlled. Remind me to acknowledge You for the fruit that others see in my life. It is all of You and none of me!

Sincerely,
Jen


Monday, May 13, 2013

Being Quiet

Today I have felt a sense of urgency to do something. Maybe because its the last day of our 10 day long holiday. Maybe because I'm heading back to work tomorrow. Maybe because I don't want to waste any of this time... but God is doing something different.

I know He is putting on my heart, like I said in my last blog post, to be SUBMERGED in Him. I am trying to do this. I am taking action and filling my heart and my mind with the things of God. But still, God is doing something different. 

Being a full time working mom to a two and a four year old leaves little to no quiet time. Here I am, with everyone asleep, and I'm lost! (typical.) Over the past 24 hours I have sat down to read/write multiple times. Every time my brain just stops! I have began 3 blogs, picked up 3 different books, all to just stop. I've gone from a Tozer book, to Ezekiel, to a book on marriage, to a blurb I started on The Holy Spirit. Everything just turns into a dead end. Its just not right! So, You tell me, God. What exactly is it You want me to do with this time. 

... and that's what I heard. Be quiet.

Its amazing the things God can do in the quiet.


...


Isn't prayer often a one sided conversation?

We have something we need, or something someone else needs, and we take the prayer time to ask God of it. We bring our laundry list of chores to God. Yes, we will throw in somethings we are thankful for so we don't seem selfish, but when do we just sit quietly, with open hearts before God?

Maybe you do this all the time? Maybe its just me? But in reality, I think its a healthy reminder of how our relationship with God should be!


How easy is it for us to be distracted?

Just think about your thoughts as you go to bed at night. The things that flood my brain involve the events of the day, the things to come tomorrow, things I wasn't able to to get done, chores, bills, events at work, my children's futures, our future, my family members, friends, recipes/crafts I want to try, things I need to improve, goals I want to accomplish. The list is infinite!

Seriously, just... be... quiet...



...



When I close off my brain, and shoo out the distractions, these are the things I have heard God say to me today.

I am great.
“Look, God is greater than we can understand.
    His years cannot be counted.
27 He draws up the water vapor
    and then distills it into rain.
28 The rain pours down from the clouds,
    and everyone benefits.
29 Who can understand the spreading of the clouds
    and the thunder that rolls forth from heaven?
30 See how He spreads the lightning around Him
    and how it lights up the depths of the sea.
31 By these mighty acts He nourishes the people,
    giving them food in abundance."

                                                 -Job 36:26-31



I love you.
"The Lord your God is in your midst,
   a Mighty One who will save; 
He will rejoice over you with gladness;
    He will quiet you by His love;
He will exult over you with loud singing."                                                 -Zephaniah 3:17



I am faithful.
"Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
    for His compassions never fail.
23 They are new every morning;
    great is Your faithfulness.
24 I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion;
    therefore I will wait for Him.”

                                                 -Lamentations 3:22-24


Be Quiet.
38 As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. 39 Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. 40 But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.” 41 But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! 42 There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”
                                                 -Luke 10:38-42



Lord!
Thank You for the quiet! Thank You for the reminder to hush our hearts so that we can hear the encouragement from You heart. How easy it is to just sit before You and listen. Why do we forget to do that? Help us to be like Mary! We as women are being taught to be like Martha. To serve, and rush, and cook, and prepare, and create! (things which we love and we know are good things but only in moderation!) Tap us on the shoulder when we are being too caught up in our check list and the things that demand our attention! We don't want to be stressed and distracted and frustrated and right now we acknowledge that the lack of quietness before You is likely the cause. Thank You for Your promise in Isaiah 58:9 "Then when you call, the Lord will answer.‘Yes, I am here,’ He will quickly reply." 






Let us remember when our minds get so busy and distracted and worked up what Psalm 116:7 says:
"Return to your rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you."

Sincerely,
Jen


Saturday, May 11, 2013

The Shore Line

Well, we are own our way back home from our first week long vacation as a family. It has been a much needed time of chillaxin. No rules. No itinerary. No plans. Just taking it easy, visiting with friends, eating good foods, enjoying the beautiful California weather. We have had lots of good conversations with friends this trip, discussing a lot of what God is doing in our hearts and families and churches.

Yesterday, we spent the day at Coronado Beach. It was cool and sunny and beautiful!!! When we were leaving, a thought occurred to me. Even though my kids were soaked and covered in sand, I was only wet up to my thighs. I didn't really even have to change my clothes. Why did I put my swim suit on?

God is like the Ocean. He is magnificently larger that our minds comprehend. We are surrounded by Him. We can enjoy His presence by being around Him, like a day at the beach.

- We can dress like we're going to play in the ocean without even getting wet at all!! Like those that play the role of a devoted Christ Follower, but never actually surrender over to Him.

- We can splash our feet around at the shore line without getting too far out. When we do that, do we comprehend His greatness!?!?! We are robbing ourselves of a completely submerged Christian life.

We can even recreationally surf the waves of God. We can spend our free time relaxing and enjoying ourselves.

... But I think God is beaconing more to us. I believe God is calling us to submerge ourselves deeply within Him. He is calling us to dive down to the depths of His heart and to search Him for all the amazing majesty of Who He is!!

We had a chance to visit with our friend JJ while in San Diego. Ricky and I were his youth leaders when he was in junior high and now his is in his 20s serving in the Navy. He was telling us about serving on the submarine, how they would descent and be below the water for weeks, even months!!! We had the chance to tour a submarine at the San Diego Maritime Museum. (We were not down there for long since Charlee was nervous down there. Ok maybe me too) You have to have some serious dedication to be submerged for that period of time in that confined of a space!! But the payout is worth it.

Just as in our spiritual life, I want to be submerged. I want to experience and explore the wonders of God. This has to be done daily. Not just on Sundays at church. Not just in a prayer before mealtime. This is a daily commitment to be submerged in Jesus. Real life actions of this are to focus my brain and heart on Him first thing when I wake up. (Not surfing whatever social network may be distracting me at the time) This starts with committing that time it read the Bible. It's refocusing our heart on God in quiet inward prayer throughout the day. It's becoming more aware of His continual presence wherever we are. It's about discussing and surrendering everything to Him, not just in trial and disparity. It's finding His glory in everything around us. It's being quiet. It's being loud. It's standing up and it's laying face down.


Lord, I want to complete submerge myself in You! I commit to this for my heart and my self. I want this for no other reason than to know You. When Moses experience You, He wanted more. (Exodus 33-34) We want You, God. We see how dry and depraved this Christian life can be without being submerged. We want to get ourselves out of the way for You to work!!! We want You to be greater and us to be less. So here I am. Dedicating to search You out until I have come to know all of You that I can. And I know that will be accomplished when I get to see You in Paradise, face to face.

Sincerely,
Jen




Check out our vacation pictures at:
http://instagram.com/mrsironbear














Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Wrestling through Job

So a few weeks back... Well, let me be honest, maybe a few months back... God had led me to read though Job. I'm not sure how much you know of me, but here is a brief break down: I grew up in the church, attended Bible College after graduation, and returned to serve in various ministries  over the past 9 years (Jr. High, High School, Women's Ministries, Worship). You would think with how much my life has been surrounded by the Word of God that I would have read through the book of Job by now. . . but no. 

I know the story well. I know the first few chapters and the ending. (That's the most important part, right?) But I began to think, as God had put this book on my heart, "What can all those 42 chapters be full of?!" ... and to be honest, I was nervous for the theme of the book that I was being directed to: Suffering.

If you're not familiar with the book of Job, I strongly suggest that you stop reading this little post and grab your Bible. Pray. Read. Then pray again. 

Job was a "blameless man, of complete integrity." That says a LOT. He endured some pretty legit testing and trials. He lost everything he had, quite literally. His wealth, his animals, his servants, even all his children, and eventually his health. I can't imagine losing one of those, let alone all of them at the exact same time. 


Well, reading through Job has been a journey.  As I read through chapter upon chapter of Job's complaining, and his friend's commentary on why God was doing this to him, I was so confused! I didn't know who was right!? Job? His friends? Both sides had some pretty valid points. It was really frustrating... until my little buddy Elihu entered the scene. 

How rad that the person who God uses to speak Truth to Job is just a kid. Kids are awesome. This is one of the truths God had Elihu share with Job. 


"For the godless are full of resentment. Even when He punishes them, they refuse to cry out to Him for help. They die when they are young, after wasting their lives in immoral living. But by means of their suffering, He rescues those who suffer. For He gets their attention through adversity. “God is leading you away from danger, Job, to a place free from distress. He is setting your table with the best food." (Job 36:13-16 NLT)

These words were so enlightening, so true to my heart. Something I feel to be true, but could never put so eloquently and simply to words. I don't even feel that there is much to commentate on. The Word of God speaks for itself, and applies to everyone. I don't think I've ever met someone who does not suffer in one way or another. As a matter of fact, the people I know who have suffered the most, are the most sincere, loving people, straight from the heart of God. 

... and where does that come from? Is it just who they are? I disagree. I believe these rare gems of God's Kingdom are who they are because of the suffering they have endured. 


I have an amazing friend, Ylisa. If you have met her, I am convinced you are a better person because of it. Ylisa has an amazing story of the suffering God has used in her life. She is by far the best shining example of God's glorious goodness, even in suffering. I HIGHLY suggest you check out her book, which you can find here.  The number one thing I learned from Ylisa, is that suffering brings you closer to God than you were before your trial. You become dependent upon Him. (Isn't that where we should all be anyways?) 

God doesn't just leave us in the midst of adversity. He is "leading us away to a place free from distress."  


My sister in law recently found this in a book passed down from her grandpa:

Photo Cred: Elayna Carrillo

"Trials become triumphs. Burdens become wings."



LORD! Thank You for giving us a fresh perspective on suffering. Thank You for providing Job as an example for us and for the Truths You have spoken through young Elihu. Help our hearts and our minds to come into alignment with Yours, especially when we are suffering. Lastly, we lift up our friends and families going through such tragic, unimaginable circumstances and pray for their hearts to cling to You and triumph in You! 


Before you go, please check out my dear friend Chelsea's Facebook page. Chelsea was my roommate in Bible College. In the subject of suffering, the Payne family is going through a journey that they were not expecting a few weeks ago. Her daughter, Taylor (8) was diagnosed with Non Hodgkins Lymphoma and currently undergoing agressive chemotherapy. Please, if you feel led to help them out, we are trying to raise funds for Taylor to get a wig for when she loses her hair. (Donations excepted HERE)

Please, friends, let me know if there is anything you need prayer for or even if you just need to talk.

And as for Job? Well, you'll just have to read the book to find out the ending! I promise its a good one.


Sincerely,
Jen


Sunday, March 31, 2013

Confession


Friday was a somber night.


The last year that we've spent at New City Church had been spent growing in grace and experiencing the goodness of God's love through the redemption of Christ's sacrifice of the cross. It has been a victorious year in our spiritual life as a family. We have been encouraged and convicted. We have surrendered things and in that experienced freedom. We have sacrificed and experienced joy. 

However, Friday night was... Different. 

As we walked into church we were welcomed by two amazing pieces of art by Bruce Herman. The conception of Jesus, and His crucifixion. As we worshipped, together as a church we read though prayers and scriptures together... (seems normal right) But these were not victorious prayers. These were confession prayers.

"For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you have me to drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me." - Matthew 25:42-43

It just didn't sit right with me. I love God. I'm not someone that would turn Him away. I've dedicated my whole life to Him. I've sacrificed for Him. I've given to His church. I've served in ministry. I pray for people. Even part of me said, "No! I'm not going to pray this prayer." 

... But at the same time, almost as one fluent thought together, God set me in my place. I am that sinner. It is my fault Jesus is up on that cross. Any and everything good in me has nothing to do with who I am, but all to do with who He has made me! 

I have been living in the victory of the cross and have forgotten my sinful nature that lead Jesus there.  I know full well of the past He has saved me from, but it was a fresh and painful confession. . . I suck. 

My husband said that night was like wave after wave of God cleansing us and taking away our guilt. He did not yet know what God was speaking to my heart. 

Good Friday takes on a whole new view when you sit down and pray, "God, this is my fault." The phrase in my heart was "I need to fess up!!" It's not that I had some habitual sin or something specifically that I was struggling with. On the contrary, as I first mentioned... It has been a year of growth. But the reality of the cross... The severity of my debt... The Holiness required to commune with God... The lack of ability I have to make myself pure... The magnitude of grace... It all came flooding in. 


I was thinking about how that night must have been for the disciples. They had left their careers, their homes, their families, all to follow Jesus. He had done amazing things in the three years they had spent together. They were already planning out their futures in ministry. Things were looking up and up for Jesus' kingdom. Then all at once it came crashing down. 

I'm sure they didn't have their Leader's death noted in their 5 year plan. Where do you go from there!?! I'm sure the conversations with Jesus they had before this probably popped in their heads. They were probably trying to piece it all together. But realistically, I think they were all hopeless. They were lost and confused.  Check out Luke 24. They were PERPLEXED when they didn't find the body.  When the women returned to tell them Jesus wasn't there they "considered their words as nonsense,"  and after Peter even went to check out the tomb himself, he "wondered what had happened."

The night He had died, they really didn't know what was to come next. The Messiah, whom they had waited centuries for, had just been murdered. 

Maybe they were doubting everything they had invested the last three years into. Maybe they were thinking this was an elaborate hoax, or that Jesus was just a liar with a bunch of magic trip up His sleeve. 

Especially today, I am so thankful I live on this side of the resurrection!!! It must have been a LONG three days for His students. Today we can REJOICE in His victory!!! Friday, we somberly remembered and worshipped Jesus for the price He paid for us. Our debt. Our lashes. Our cross. We 'fess up that it is our fault, and today we celebrate with the victory of Christ. 

Jesus, Thank You. That should always be the first words from our lips. You did this for me. I am an ugly, evil, heartless person without You. Now I can have grace, patience, hope, and mercy for the world around me, knowing that I am not better that anyone else and that You chose to save me. I 'fess up to You that it doesn't matter how big or small of a wrong I've committed, one was enough to banish me from Heaven and for You to pay my price on the cross. May my heart be daily reminded of Your sacrifice for me. 

Sincerely,
Jen

If you would like to check out Bruce Herman's amazing work, you can do so here:

And it is also on display at New City for this coming First Friday Free event. Details are here. http://newcityphx.com/

Sunday, March 24, 2013

Palm Sunday




"Now when they drew near to Jerusalem, to  Bethphage and Bethany, at  the Mount of Olives, Jesus  sent  two of his disciples  and said to them,  "Go into the village in front of you, and immediately as you enter it you will find a colt tied,  on which no one has ever sat. Untie it and bring it.    If anyone says to you, "Why are you doing this?" say, "The Lord has need of it and will send it back here immediately."    And they went away and found a colt tied at a door outside in the street, and they untied it.  And some of those standing there said to them, "What are you doing, untying the colt?"  And they told them what Jesus had said, and they let them go.  And they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it, and he sat on it. (Mark 11:1-7 ESV)

We read this in church this morning, Palm Sunday. As we were reading, a couple thoughts came to my mind. The first was of this little baby colt.

- Isn't it interesting that Jesus rides into Jerusalem (known as the Triumphant Entry) riding on the back of a young, untrained colt? Seems awkward, right? Back in the day, Kings would enter in on a strong steed when they were coming in victoriously after a battle had been won. When they came in on a donkey, it was a sign that they were coming in peace.

Here, Jesus is fulling one of hundreds of prophecies from the Old Testament that He is the Messiah!

"Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is He, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey." (Zechariah 9:9 ESV)

The name of this event is the other thing that bugs me every year it comes around... TRIUMPHANT Entry?? I've read the story... I know what happens in the coming week... Yes the scriptures follow with the claims of the Jerusalem people... But their shouts are fickle and within the week they will be crying out for His crucifixion!!


"And many spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut from the fields. And those who went before and those who followed were shouting, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest!" (Mark 11:8-10 ESV)

In Aramaic, Hosanna means: Rescue us, Help Us, Save Us, or even "Savior" Their claims were not to save their souls, but some believe they were wanting Him to ignite a revolt against the Roman Empire.

Jesus knew their hearts. He quietly and humbly, on his little colt, rode into town hearing each voice, seeing straight through to their sinful hearts, knowing that His blood was going to be shed for each person there. And here is where the next throught came...

I wonder if this colt knew exactly what his place in history was. Now don't make fun... but the Bible says that the sky and the earth, the fields and trees all praise Him. (Psalm 96:11-13) The sea creatures and the oceans, lightening, hail, snow and clouds... Fruit trees, cedars, wild animals, and cattle all praise Him!? (Psalm 148) and if we slack in our job of praise, even the mountains and rocks will take our place!?" (Romans 1:25) ... Then I would say that this colt knew exactly Who he was giving a ride too.

What an interesting perspective: this small colt, carrying his Creator into town for His triumphant entry. Did he know the praises of the people would be in vain? Did He know of the coming tragedies of the cross? What a somber moment I have as I put myself in the colt's place, experiencing the homage of the people and know the outcome of Christ's submission to the cross for them.

My heart cries out with them, "Save us! Rescue us!" but also, today, acknowledging at what price that redemption will come.

King Jesus, I thank You for this day You rode in, claiming Your place as our Messiah. I will never really understand the price You paid for my redemption, but I commit this week to You and the remembrance of what You did for us on the cross. Thank You for riding in on a colt, the sign of peace that You came with and came to give to us. May I not lose sight of my need for You everyday. I lay my coat before You as my King and proclaim Hosanna!

Sincerely,
Jen


I want to welcome you to our church if you don't have a place to come worship Jesus this Good Friday. Come as you are, no need to get fancy and proper - all the info is on the website: http://newcityphx.com/


http://youtu.be/n4suaSR-Gps
Jesus, You are mercy, Jesus, You are justice
Jesus, You are worthy, that is what You are
You died alone to save me, You rose so You could raise me
You did this all to make me a chosen child of God

Worthy is the Lamb that once was slain
To receive all glory, power and praise
For with Your blood You purchased us for God
Jesus, You are worthy, that is what You are

Jesus, You are mercy, Jesus, You are justice
Jesus, You are worthy, that is what You are
You died alone to save me, You rose so You could raise me
You did this all to make me a chosen child of God

Worthy is the Lamb that once was slain
To receive all glory, power and praise
For with Your blood You purchased us for God
Jesus, You are worthy, that is what You are

Perfect sacrifice crushed by God for us
Bearing in Your hurt all that I deserve
Misjudged from my misdeeds, You suffered silently
The only guiltless man in all of history

How worthy is the Lamb that once was slain
To receive all glory, power and praise?
For with Your blood You purchased us for God
Jesus, You are worthy, that is what You are
Jesus, You are worthy, that is what You are

Justice and mercy, justice and mercy
Meet at the cross