Peace Archives — Today's Word Is ...

Today’s Word Is UNSHAKEN

Wed-Jul-22-2020

I hate putting my time or money into something that ends up not being worth it. A couple of years ago my wife and I were doing some painting inside the house. We ordered this great sounding device that was supposed to make trimming a cinch. Well … upon arrival of the product, we discovered that the quality of the gadget was significantly lower than the quality of the idea. In short, it was not worth using.

Suffice it to say that whatever we invest our time and money in does not always turn out to be worth it. Teaching the lesson of unreasonable expectations to the children in the family takes patience. When my sweet mother-in-law was raising my wife and her two siblings and one of them made a request for something that was “not gonna happen” … she would chuckle and say to them, “Yea, and people in jail want out!”

There is no guarantee you will get what you want. There is always a risk that some things you purchase are a waste of money. And sometimes the places you want to go or the things you want to do are not going to work out.

There is, however, something of a spiritual nature that has a trustworthy guarantee.

Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; … (Hebrews 12:28)

This “kingdom that cannot be shaken” is worth trading everything we are and all we have in order to live in it. In a world in which many people get upset at the things that don’t work like they’re supposed to, the only thing I know of that comes through 100% of the time is the grace of God poured out on us in this “kingdom that cannot be shaken.”

In all my years of adulthood, I can’t think of a single person who ever came back to me and said they were disappointed in the life of faith offered to them through Jesus Christ. This is based on those who were “all in” for the kingdom.

For those who were just trying to “fit God into their schedule,” it seemed to me that they didn’t want to be “in” this kingdom, but just visit occasionally. In that case, God is not really your king. Those folks were frequently disappointed.

I am thankful that there is a “kingdom that cannot be shaken” offered by grace to all of us, in which the warranty never runs out. I’m all in for that! And good news … living in this unshaken kingdom also means that when the events of this life try to rock my world, I can remain personally unshaken because of the unshakable foundation of this kingdom in which I dwell.

If you or someone you know is holding out looking for a sure thing to commit to, hold back no longer. And when you take the leap, you will discover that this is not just an idea, it is a Person, the Creator himself, drawing you into a deep, loving relationship that far exceeds expectations … it will produce a sense of “reverence and awe” within you.

King David was all in, saying, “I lift up my eyes to the hills— from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved …” (Psalm 121:1-3a)

This seems strange to say, but I have been shaken up a few times in my life, and yet remained unshaken, because God absorbed the shaking.

Blessings,

Chaplain Mark

Today’s Word Is SERENITY

Fri-Jul-17-2020
It’s Humor Day!

I hope you have heard of the “Serenity Prayer,” which is something worth posting on your mirror, bulletin board, or refrigerator.

First, I will give you a humorous remake called the “Senility Prayer” (author unknown), which applies to the aging process and how to deal with people whom you like or do not like. This is helpful for people of my age … ha-ha-ha …

THE PRAYER OF SENILITY
God grant me the senility
to forget the people I never liked anyway,
the good fortune to run into the ones I do,
and the eyesight to tell the difference.

The original “Serenity Prayer” was written by Reinhold Niebuhr (1892-1971), an American Reformed theologian, author of books on ethics and other topics, commentator on politics and public affairs, and professor at Union Theological Seminary for more than 30 years. Many groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, use the shortened version of his “Serenity Prayer,” (the first four lines) as a theme or tool of encouragement. The full version goes like this …

THE PRAYER OF SERENITY

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time;
enjoying one moment at a time;
accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
that I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
forever in the next.
Amen.

Have a blessed weekend, including rest, family, and worship,

Chaplain Mark

Today’s Word Is AGREE

Wed-Jul-8-2020

I once had this conversation with a co-worker …

ME: You’re very smart.

THEM: No. Not really.

ME: I’m smart. I made straight A’s mostly.

THEM: Yeah, so did I.

ME: Then you’re pretty smart.

THEM: Well … hmmmm … Okay.

It’s okay to say you’re smart or talented in some way, or whatever your characteristics are, in an honest and humble way. It’s part of having a good, healthy, and accurate view of yourself. Many of us were taught not to compliment ourselves because it sounds like “bragging.” Often our solution is to belittle ourselves as a way of ensuring that we don’t think too highly of ourselves. It took me 40-plus years to stop this bad habit.

The Bible talks about how you should view yourself.

“For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.” – The Apostle Paul (Romans 12:3)

A “sober judgment” means a correct evaluation. This means you should not think “too highly” nor “too lowly” of yourself. Now who do you think has the most “sober” or accurate evaluation and opinion of you? Well … It’s God, of course.

You should agree with God and his opinion of you. He knows your value, your potential, your strengths, your weaknesses. For some of us, it is a great discovery to learn that “God thinks of me more highly than I thought He did!” God is for us, not against us. (See Romans 8 below.) So, if someone has told you that God thinks poorly of you … that’s a lie. If you think you should deny your strengths as a way of being humble, consider that this is a form of false humility, and not at all biblical. Instead, affirm who you are and the gifts you have been given, and then delight in using them for God’s purposes.

In addition, don’t bemoan your weaknesses. Everyone has them. Accept them. Improve on them when you can. This is all part of agreeing with God about who you are and who you are to become. And if you can agree with God about the total you, there will be greater peace, and probably more smiles.

If you still are going to have a hard time with this God-centered view of yourself, then let me add this. Once you are saved, there is no condemnation against you. There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (Romans 8:1) Only those who are denying God or refusing Christ should fear condemnation.

Once you are born again, there is no issue that will cause God to reject you. You are his adopted child, an heir to the Kingdom. Every objection you have to your new position of worth in Christ, every struggle to accept your high value in his eyes can be answered by this … God our Father loves you, Jesus loves you, Holy Spirit loves you. You are loved, loved, loved. However much you think God loves you, it is more than that! Receive it. Return it. Stop any practice of self-condemnation and reject any tendency to expect punishment. God may discipline, but he does not punish those who are his. Smile and relax when you consider the amazing and wonderful love God has for you.

Agreeing with God about who you are is a good thing. Thinking that God is against you is not. No one can take your God-given value away from you. “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31) Please don’t take as long as I did to internalize that and live with joy and freedom. If you truly do this, it will not create arrogance but humility and peace.

Have a blessed day,

Chaplain Mark

Today’s Word Is STILL

Mon-Jun-8-2020

***He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” (Psalm 46:10)***

That’s a tall order … be still. Have you ever tried to fix a child’s boo-boo by cleaning a wound and applying a bandage … all the while trying to keep them still and calm? “Be still,” we say. “It’s hard to help you if you can’t be still for a minute!”

Of course, adults have their own struggles with being still. Maybe it’s not about a bandage on a wound. It would be more like something has gone wrong and I need to fix it right now. Or some problem has come up, and my mind is going through all the consequences this is going to create. Oh no, what am I going to do now?

I am sure King David, who wrote this Psalm, had plenty of tragedies and problems enough to panic or worry about the destruction or terror that could result. He must have learned that one of God’s best responses to our troubles was to say, “Be still, and know that I am God.” It helps us to put things in perspective. Our spirit can declare within us, “Yes, you are God. You love me. I can trust you. I need not worry. Your promises are great and true.”

How great is God? Well, I am usually operating on the “me-level” while God is simultaneously operating on everything from the universe – earth – nation level, all the way down to my level and yours. I don’t always think about the big picture. God thinks about every picture, every angle … big and small. He is the Exalted One … at every level … trustworthy, good, faithful … our strength and shield.

When I was twelve years old, our family went to Connecticut because my dad had to visit a seminary student. Once we were in New York City, Dad took the car on his business, while my mom, myself, and two younger sisters finished the journey to her family in Connecticut by train.

My mom took good care of us and the trip worked out fine. But not having Dad around in a strange place was a little unsettling. Mom was our caregiver, managing daily life for us, while Dad was sort of like the stabilizer. We had been on many trips and vacations and were used to Dad always knowing directions, finding places to eat and to spend the night, and getting us to our destination, while Mom kept track of what we were doing and especially took care of the needs of the smallest ones.

So here we were with Mom in Grand Central Station, New York City. It was h-u-g-e!! We walked down corridors, climbed stairs, and stood in lines, all the while hanging onto Mom. We were surrounded by noise, movement, and confusion. There were moments I wished Dad were there to lead us through this strange place. Mom loved us, but Dad was the leader.

There is plenty going on around us right now … COVID virus, racial tensions, and political controversy. Surely, we know that there are people on this journey with us who love us, but in unsettling circumstances, we need stability within our spirits and guidance through the turmoil. It is an excellent time to “be still and know that God is God!” Will we make it through this strange time? Yes, if we let the God who is “exalted among the nations and in the earth” lead us through.

Pray for peace and be at peace. “Be still and know.”

Blessings,

Chaplain Mark

Today’s Word Is ASSURANCE

Fri-Jun-5-2020
It’s Humor Day!

Albert Einstein was once traveling from Princeton on a train when the conductor came down the aisle, punching the tickets of each passenger. When he came to Dr. Einstein, the professor couldn’t find his ticket. He searched every pocket, his briefcase, the seat next to him. No ticket.

The conductor said, “Dr. Einstein, I know who you are. We all know who you are. I’m sure you bought a ticket. Don’t worry about it.”

The conductor continued down the aisle punching tickets. As he was ready to move to the next car, he turned around and saw the great physicist down on his hands and knees looking under his seat for his ticket. The conductor rushed back and said, “Dr. Einstein, Dr. Einstein, don’t worry. I know who you are. No problem. You don’t need a ticket. I’m sure you bought one.”

Einstein looked at him and said, “Young man, I too know who I am. What I don’t know is where I’m going!”

I hope you know where you are going. If we believe the Scriptures, then we know that born again believers are going to heaven. Many people, Christians and not, over the years have asked me, “How can I know, how can I be sure that I am going to heaven?”

This is basic, but important. I think these three passages can most clearly describe what it means to be saved.

The first is from Jesus, who told Nicodemus, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3) This does not describe how it happens, but rather what it is … namely, a rebirth. Just as we had a physical birth, so also, says Jesus, must we have a spiritual birth. In other words, not only must our body become alive, but also our spirit must come alive in a separate event. Thus, Jesus continued, “That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” (John 3:6) Up to the point of salvation, your spirit is dead, so to speak. So how does it come alive?

The other two verses say more about how it happens. The Apostle Paul says, “because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. (Romans 10:9-10)

And for the third, just to make sure we understand who does what, Paul says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9) It requires God’s grace and our faith. And the fact that it is a gift indicates that God’s part is the greater part.

God offers the gift, for which Jesus Christ has already paid the price, but gifts are only put to use when the recipient stretches out their hands to receive it, this being an act of repentance, humility, and faith. When this happens, the Spirit of God enters into your spirit and your spirit comes alive! You are “born again.” The Holy Spirit of Christ is living in you and through you! I like this phrase, “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Colossians 1:27)

If these things you have done, then do not be embarrassed to ask the question about “how do I know I am saved and going to heaven?” You are not alone. Many Christians are not fully “at peace” until one more miracle occurs. Apparently, some believers in the New Testament had the same question.

Thus, there is one more piece. Besides having salvation, it is great to have an “assurance” of salvation, and to be at peace. And this is supplied by the Holy Spirit. So Paul wrote this to them, “The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.” (Romans 8:16-17) How do I know for sure? We sang as children … “How do I know, the Bible tells me so!” But also, I know because I can hear, sense, and feel the Holy Spirit whispering assurance into my heart.

Come and join with me, children of God, and give thanks that we can be sure that we are saved; we are heirs, heirs with Christ, and heaven is our home!

There is one last testimony as a verification. We will indeed suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. Yes, the life of faith involves suffering and hardship, but none greater than what our Master endured. And for this is offered all his glory for us to share, both now and forever.

Have a blessed weekend, including rest, family, and worship,

Chaplain Mark

NOTE … I know that there are people who will call me exclusive when I say that Christ is the only way to God. But I didn’t create this idea. I read it in the Bible, and I believe it. As my friend Dr. Bob Sanders used to say, “Don’t look at me! I didn’t write it! I’m just the messenger!”

ANOTHER NOTE: Please don’t use this devotional to scrutinize someone else’s life trying to figure if they are in heaven or not. Only God knows. Doing so can discourage you unnecessarily. Believe for the best, and wait.

Today’s Word Is CIRCUMSTANCES

Thu-Jun-4-2020
Originally published
Wed-Nov-27-2019

The verse that says “I can do all things” by the Apostle Paul in Philippians 4:13 is popular and encouraging. But it means something more than what some people think. Philippians 4:10-14 is about Good Times & Hard Times … and how to thrive spiritually, mentally, and emotionally in all of them.

To do so we need to overcome what I call “try-harder” theology. You see, Paul was not saying, “I can do all things, if I try hard enough.” But that’s how many people use it.

So, here’s “the rest of the story” …

First of all … Sometimes we need help. The Apostle Paul earned money making tents, but many times that was not enough. He still needed offerings from churches. It’s OK to ask for help. But it’s not OK to complain if someone can’t help. For awhile the church couldn’t help Paul, but Paul thanked them when they could.

Paul says (v.10) But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity.

Also … True contentment is apparently hard to achieve, since so few appear to have it. Learning how to adjust to a wide range of circumstances is not popular. After all, if I go through a drought, what am I going to do about the house and car payments? We want the circumstances to adjust to us. Paul learned to adjust to them. He had a mission that was more important than circumstances.

(v.11) Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.

Next … Without that passion for a calling or purpose in life, we often resort to bemoaning our misfortunes. When there’s plenty, we’re happy, but when we must do without … well … does our joy leave when difficulty arrives? Paul is our witness that it is possible to be as content in poverty as it is in prosperity. We will endure circumstances when we are on a mission. It could be as a schoolteacher, as a nurse, as a pastor, as a social worker, or any other job, as a parent to our children, loving our spouse, working for a non-profit or a church project. What we are passionate about will help us to disregard certain difficulties.

(v.12) I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.

NOW, HERE COMES THE BLESSING …

(v.13) I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

Some folks take this to mean that any bad circumstance can turn into a good one simply by believing it can happen, or that God will fix it for me, or that just trying harder is the way to overcome the barrier … and once the circumstance turns good, then I can rest, get the precious joy back, and be thankful that I succeeded.

But Paul is making a deeper point. “Doing all things” might just mean putting up with irritations or lack of amenities in order to accomplish a higher purpose.

Even if things are bad right now, and even if they’re going to stay bad for a while. No matter. I have God and he is enough. And my joy doesn’t come and go with good times and bad. They’re all alike to me in this sense: I am the same ‘me’ and God is the same God, regardless of my circumstances.

He is our strength in good times. He is our strength in hard times.

LAST THOUGHT …

We are not to wallow in our difficulties in order to get mileage or sympathy points out of our suffering. If things are difficult, we stay on course, and give thanks when caring people pitch in and lift us up.

(v.14) Nevertheless, you have done well to share with me in my affliction.

Stay steady in all circumstances, difficult or easy,

Chaplain Mark

Today’s Word Is HIGHER

Wed-May-20-2020

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.” (Psalm 55:8-9)

The whole idea of electricity and how it works amazes me. The fact that water is going through turbines in a dam and causing a light bulb in my living room to glow is a wonder.

And how can an ant with a brain the size of a speck of dust, and whose home is 20 yards from my house, find a pinhead sized fragment of a candy bar located on the floor in the grandkids’ playroom inside my house made of thick walls, and then remember the way back to its mound?

The universe is amazing, and the Creator of the universe is not just amazing but is in fact the source of anything and everything that is amazing. I don’t have to know how electricity works to enjoy its benefits. And I don’t have to know how God works to enjoy him.

To an ant, I am beyond comprehension. And to me, God is beyond comprehension. The difference is that I can never communicate with an ant and explain who I am; whereas God has designed me in his likeness and chosen to reveal himself to me in a way that I can understand enough to know that he is good, loving, and trustworthy. Indeed, if I accept the invitation to relate to him, he renews my mind sufficiently to understand enough about him to receive his blessings.

If God has communicated through his Word that he knows me better than I know myself, and if he cares more for me than I care for myself, and if he has plenty enough ability and resources to supply my needs, and loves me and promises me to do so, then that is also more than I can fathom. But I choose to believe it and to receive it.

We cannot know all that God knows, but we can trust him and enjoy him. I have had plenty of ups and downs in life, but I must say that God has supplied my needs enough for me to cling to him above all else. But there is more depth of relationship beyond just “getting my needs met” in a physical sense.

Somewhere in our walk with God we should become so in love with the Lord, so bonded with him, so trusting, that getting our needs met is really secondary. The main thing is more about loving and being loved than about being comfortable. To be deeply in love with God who is deeply in love with us eventually makes comfort an irrelevant issue.

The amazing journey with God is higher than my thoughts. It happens through his ways which are higher than my ways. What an adventure! – To engage in something higher than I can understand! Hey … I’m all in for that! How about you?

Blessings,

Chaplain Mark

Today’s Word Is ANXIOUS

Tue-May-19-2020

“Do not fear, for I am with you;

Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you, surely I will help you,

Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)

What are we doing when we “anxiously look about”? It might be that we are looking for another solution because we don’t like what we’re being told.

There is a story about a man on the side of a cliff who has his foot on a loose rock, and he is clinging for dear life. He yells upward, “Help! Is anybody up there?”

The answer comes in a deep voice, “This is God! Let go and I will catch you!”

The man is silent, wondering what to make of this voice. So, he finally yells again, “Is anyone else up there?”

Trusting God sounds easy … but many times it’s not that easy. If you are suffering from anxiety, you probably can identify with this particular definition … It has been said that “the root of anxiety is a loss of control.”

When our world or a certain situation is out of our control, we may struggle to find any way we can to regain some control. But we can trust the one who has ultimate control. If we exercise our faith, then the Scripture “I am your God” is a good enough answer in any circumstance. Let me repeat that … “I am your God” is a good enough answer in any circumstance. “Do not be anxious about anything …” (Philippians 4:6)

It doesn’t seem like it could be that simple, but it is amazing what repeating a statement of faith like Isaiah 41:10 can do. First, we put ourselves into a calmer state of mind. “I am not going to fear, because God is with me.” We tell ourselves, “I am going to stop looking anxiously about me to find my own solution. I am going to look to God, because he is my strength and my help.” Then we repeat as many times as it takes … “God will uphold me with his righteous right hand.” Then we let God speak peace into our hearts.

[Jesus] got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Peace! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. (Mark 4:39)

I do love it when I call upon the Lord, and he says, “Peace! Be still!” And I experience that real peace of God flowing in and filling my inner being, and I become completely calm.

Blessings,

Chaplain Mark

Today’s Word Is AFRAID

Wed-Apr-22-2020

The LORD is my light and my salvation — whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life — of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1)

These are rhetorical questions … meaning you should know the answer without having to be told! Whom shall I fear? The obvious answer is no one. Of whom shall I be afraid? No one, of course.

Well, wait a minute … There is this phrase in the Scripture about the fear of the Lord. It means to respect and revere him. The old Bob Dylan song says … “It may be the devil, or it may be the Lord, but you gotta serve somebody.” The fear of the Lord means that he is the one you serve, and that you therefore have no fear of the devil. Fear of the Lord is a good thing.

In order for you to answer that you fear no one … you will have to be able to say that you fear, respect, submit to the Lord. If not, you’re on your own, and you definitely have a lot to fear in this life without God’s protection. In other words, fear God alone, or suffer with the fears of everything else. Charles Swindoll once said that as he got older, he came to be unafraid of anyone, their opinions, their criticism, and their attitude of superiority, all because of his fear of the Lord.

When God is your light, your salvation, your stronghold. … you won’t have to be afraid of anything or anyone. It is a life-changing transition to move from fear-based to faith-based living. Fear-based living creates a sense of being unprotected. There are constant thoughts about what might go wrong.

Fear is a sign of unbelief. Remember the disciples in the boat? And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” (Matthew 8:26) Notice he did not say “no faith,” he said, “little faith.” Do not panic and think that having areas of little faith or of unbelief indicates you are not saved. Many Bible characters, and many people today, have degrees or moments of unbelief. It does not necessarily mean the opposite of salvation. It may just indicate an area of your life in which you need God’s help to cast out some darkness and let God’s light come in. The father of a boy possessed with demons asked Jesus for help. Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24) And Jesus immediately cast them out. I have said the same thing that father said a number of times in my life.

As for fear, if the Bible says, “Do not fear,” then fear is sometimes not just an emotion, but a choice we make, and we are told not to choose it. Fear freezes your growth. Fear robs you of blessings. Fear keeps you from blessing others. Fear invites the enemy to control areas of your life.

When these areas of fear are overcome, you will live with greater confidence. Your faith rises up to remind you that nothing can destroy you, no matter how bad it might seem. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? … No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. (Romans 8:35,37)

Faith-based living, “fear-less” living involves a trust in what the Apostle Paul said … “my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)

There are TV commercials and movie lines that talk about “no fear,” but they are more about striking back at an unfair world. This promotes an attitude of defiance, self-protection, and pride. When the Scripture says, “no fear,” it is about fully trusting and living at peace with God. That has a much different feel to it than boasting about “no fear.” You can experience that you are no longer afraid of what anyone or anything can do to you. We can again make that declaration today … or if you have never done so, declare it for the first time … I am not afraid; I will not live in fear.

Blessings,

Chaplain Mark

Today’s Word Is PARADE

Fri-Apr-3-2020

I am not observing “Friday Humor Day” today or next Friday in deference to the Easter season. The next two Sundays, Palm Sunday and Easter, are the most significant of the year for us as Christians.

Now you may not be used to observing Palm Sunday or putting it up there at the top along with Easter. As Christians, we celebrate the birth of the King on Christmas. On Palm Sunday he declared it. On Easter, he proved it.

Just in case you don’t remember the details of Palm Sunday, I have placed it at the bottom, from Luke 19: 29-44. You scroll down and read it now if you need to.

After three years of Jesus’ ministry, filled with teachings and miracles, the Pharisees and other leaders were in the process of planning how to kill him. They were offended by his teachings in which he was clearly claiming to be the Messiah, the Chosen One of God. And they were losing their hold on the masses of people who followed him, common folks who found hope in him and were amazed at his miracles.

Jesus knew that the Pharisees’ opposition was a signal that the time had come to fulfill his purpose, the sacrifice of his life for the sins of the people. The approaching week was the annual celebration of the passover, a somber festival to remember their escape from bondage in Egypt. The Israelites had suffered as slaves in Egypt for 400 years, but God sent Moses to lead them out. God instructed them to sacrifice a lamb and place the blood on their doorposts, so that when the angel of death came he would “pass over” their houses and they would avoid the 10^th and final plague of the killing of the firstborn. Passover was a remembrance of this.

So, as Jesus prepared to enter Jerusalem for this festival, he knew this would be the year of the ultimate Passover, with a capital P, in which the Lamb, with a capital L, would be sacrificed as an all-sufficient, one-time atonement for the past, present, and future sins of all humanity.

Before we proceed with the parade into town, take note that there are two kingdoms throughout history – the Kingdom of God and the kingdom of this world. A Messianic Jewish teacher, whose lessons I am reading, calls them the kingdom of Empire and the kingdom of Shalom (Hebrew for peace). Empire operates by power, wealth, and control. God’s Kingdom of Shalom operates by hospitality, humility, sacrifice, love, faith, and forgiveness.

In ancient history, a conquering warrior-king, who returned to his city after victory in battle, rode on a white stallion, a symbol of power. Jesus rode into Jerusalem that Sunday on a donkey, a symbol of humility. He was teaching us: “Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,” says the Lord Almighty. (Zechariah 4:6) As he rode along, crowds lined the roads, shouting his name as King, declaring the wonders of his miracles, and waving palm branches as a message of honor and peace and hope.

The world’s Empire power approach will never defeat the Kingdom of God. And Jesus, as the leader of the parade into Jerusalem, was proclaiming this truth. The Jewish power machine had tried to silence him. Now they were going to kill him. And he was going to allow them to do it.

The crucifixion and the resurrection of Jesus, coming up in the following week, would be the proof that it is God’s Kingdom that is forever. For us, there is a choice – Shalom or Empire – God’s way or the world’s way. If you choose God’s way, you can practice humility and sacrifice and never be defeated. The world’s attempt to kill Jesus was not counting on a resurrection. And that is what we count on.

We can recall the Triumphal Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem when we need assurance. The people are shouting “king,” but his garment is not a royal robe; it is homespun and simple. He is not on a “warhorse,” but a beast of burden. His “court” is made up of fishermen and hated tax collectors. His “parade” is an array of common people.

Yet no pageant that ever passed through the streets of any city has so set its mark on time as this one. The triumphal entries of the Romans and all other empires have long since been forgotten or become irrelevant. But this one, with Jesus on a donkey, is known and retold in every detail, year after year, century after century.

Blessing you with peace as you follow God’s parade,

Chaplain Mark

NOTE: The Jewish teaching I referred to is called the Bema Podcast, by Marty Solomon, and is worth listening to on your favorite Podcast App.

The Triumphal Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, which we call Palm Sunday, from Luke 19: 29-44

As he approached Bethphage and Bethany at the hill called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ tell him, ‘The Lord needs it.'” Those who were sent ahead went and found it just as he had told them. As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, “Why are you untying the colt?” They replied, “The Lord needs it.”

They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it. As he went along, people spread their cloaks on the road. When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”

Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!” “I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.” As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it, and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace–but now it is hidden from your eyes. The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.”