Set free
We are set free by the Passover
Six days before the Passover, Jesus therefore came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. So they gave a dinner for him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at the table. Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. John 12:1-3 (ESV)
The New Beginning
There was to be a change; a new way of thinking. As a reminder God had them rearrange their calendar. This was to be the new beginning of the Hebrew year (Exodus 12:1-2). He wanted them to realize the significance of what He was about to do. These festivals shall be a reminder of you before your God: I am the Lord your God. The silver announcing trumpets are to be blown. (Numbers 10:10) He wished them not to forget it, but to continually bring it to their minds. We too have been born again. God does not wish us to forget what He has done within us and the sacrifice wiling made for us.
Our Palm Sunday
And as they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, "Why are you untying the colt?" And they said, "The Lord has need of it." And they brought it to Jesus, and throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. And as he rode along, they spread their cloaks on the road. As he was drawing near—already on the way down the Mount of Olives— the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, saying, "Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!" And some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, "Teacher, rebuke your disciples." He answered, "I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out." And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept over it, Luke 19:33-41 (ESV)
There was religious oppression, yet we see a new expression of worship with the people as Jesus traveled into Jerusalem. There was dancing on the road. They did shout and proclaim him, but now there was a ripping and waving of branches. The palm tree branch had become a symbol that has survived even until now.
Are you jubilant or are you caught in religions grip?? Are you proclaiming Jesus approach to those in your city? As former captives to darkness, it would do us well to examine ourselves this coming week. Are we keeping a reminder of the suffering he willing had for us? We are told not to have fear. It need not be a part of our life; that gives freedom to the enemy to work within our life.
If it is for freedom that we were set free, then should we not be willing to share that which we value with those presently in bondage?
Six days before the Passover, Jesus therefore came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. So they gave a dinner for him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at the table. Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. John 12:1-3 (ESV)
The New Beginning
There was to be a change; a new way of thinking. As a reminder God had them rearrange their calendar. This was to be the new beginning of the Hebrew year (Exodus 12:1-2). He wanted them to realize the significance of what He was about to do. These festivals shall be a reminder of you before your God: I am the Lord your God. The silver announcing trumpets are to be blown. (Numbers 10:10) He wished them not to forget it, but to continually bring it to their minds. We too have been born again. God does not wish us to forget what He has done within us and the sacrifice wiling made for us.
Our Palm Sunday
And as they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, "Why are you untying the colt?" And they said, "The Lord has need of it." And they brought it to Jesus, and throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. And as he rode along, they spread their cloaks on the road. As he was drawing near—already on the way down the Mount of Olives— the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, saying, "Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!" And some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, "Teacher, rebuke your disciples." He answered, "I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out." And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept over it, Luke 19:33-41 (ESV)
There was religious oppression, yet we see a new expression of worship with the people as Jesus traveled into Jerusalem. There was dancing on the road. They did shout and proclaim him, but now there was a ripping and waving of branches. The palm tree branch had become a symbol that has survived even until now.
Are you jubilant or are you caught in religions grip?? Are you proclaiming Jesus approach to those in your city? As former captives to darkness, it would do us well to examine ourselves this coming week. Are we keeping a reminder of the suffering he willing had for us? We are told not to have fear. It need not be a part of our life; that gives freedom to the enemy to work within our life.
If it is for freedom that we were set free, then should we not be willing to share that which we value with those presently in bondage?
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