Today, as we watch the news and read the newspapers, we see that we are living in an intense, politically divisive, and corrupt environment. It appears that the poor are becoming poorer and the rich are getting richer. Racism and bigotry have raised their ugly heads in an overt and profound way, as racial groups oppose one another.
This was also the type of environment that Jesus entered as He rode into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. There were the followers of Jesus who had been blessed by His teachings and miracles. Jesus was also faced with the anger and jealousy of the Roman government who opposed His presence and His teachings, as they felt threatened by His influence and the popularity that He was receiving.
Palm Sunday teaches us that in a complex and toxic environment there will be those who will celebrate you on Sunday and curse you on Friday. On Sunday they cried out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord” (Mark 11:9). On Friday they cried out, “Crucify Him! Crucify Him! Let His blood be on us and on our children” (Matthew 27:22-25). This too is the real paradox of our lives. One day things are well and the next we receive a diagnosis that we have terminal cancer. One day we have a job, the next day we receive a pink slip telling us that our services are no longer needed.
We can be assured, in spite of the challenges we face as we walk with Jesus to Calvary during this Holy Week, that ultimately our victory will be a reality. We learn that God is with us as we submit our will to Him. We hear Jesus praying, “Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done”. Luke tells us that God dispatched an angel from heaven that strengthened Jesus (Luke 22:42-43).
We hear Jesus proclaim from the cross in the 6th word, “It is finished.” The Greek word is “tetelestai” which means it has come to an end, it is accomplished, victory has been secured.
May you know that whatever challenges, pain, or stress you may be facing, God will grant you the strength to endure and victory awaits you on the other side.
Prayer: Dear God, Thank you for journeying with us through our stress and struggles. Thank you that we have the victory because of the finished work of Jesus on Calvary. Amen.