Today’s Scrip-Bit 18 June 2013 Philippians 3:17.

Philippians 3:17:    Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an example.
 
‘Just a closer walk with thee. Blessed Jesus let it be. Always walking close to thee. Let it be, dear Lord… let it be.’
 
Oh Friends, those words from that favourite old hymn are very significant in a believer’s life; so significant that they should be written indelibly in our hearts and be constantly on our lips!
 
Yes my brethren, if we’re to walk closely with God, as believers ought to, then we certainly need His empowerment to help us, because that’s something we simply cannot do on our own. Our sinful nature, our weak will, and Lucifer’s constant prodding just won’t allow us to do it. But we have to walk that close walk to be true and faithful Christians!
 
And we have some excellent advice in our Bit on that subject, where Bruh Paul is talking to the Philippians, encouraging them to keep pressing on towards the mark, walking faithfully in the Spirit of God.
 
‘Brethren, be followers together of me (join in following my example), and mark (note) them which walk so as ye have us for an example (a pattern).’
 
And the scholars it thus: ‘Paul asks the Philippians to imitate him. (But) due to his absence they cannot observe him (personally), so he tells them to imitate those among them who live as he does.’
 
And my people, that admonition holds up even until today, and will be forever applicable as long as believers walk this ungodly earth, since we cannot do it all ourselves, but need like-minded persons around us to help and encourage us. That’s why fellowship amongst believers is ever so important, especially in these rough, trying and godless times!
 
Bruh Paul also said basically the same thing to the church at Corinth. ‘Wherefore I beseech (urge) you, be ye followers of (imitate) me. For this cause have I sent unto you Timothy, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.’ (1 Cor.4:16-17)
 
That’s why we need learned, responsible brethren like pastors and such to teach and show us the proper way to walk with Christ. All Christian congregations need good, strong, knowledgeable and sincere leadership and guidance, if they are going to thrive and succeed in doing the will of God.
 
And not wanting the Corinthians to forget that, Bruh Paul reminds them of it in Chapter 11. ‘Be ye followers (imitators) of me, even as I also am of Christ.’ (1 Cor.11:1)
 
Oh Friends, in this godless, evil age, we certainly need all the reminders we can get about walking safely, securely and faithfully with Jesus!
 
Now why is that so important eh? Bruh Paul goes on to explain it after our Bit. ‘(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind (set their mind on) earthly things.) (Phil.3:18-19)
 
And are there ever numerous enemies of the cross of Christ today my brethren; in fact there are more enemies than friends! 
 
Now hear how the scholars explain those verses. ‘For provides the first reason the readers should emulate the apostle’s life; there are many professing Christians whose worldly, hedonistic lifestyle can corrupt them unless they imitate Paul. These enemies of the cross are described in four ways:
 
(1) Their end or destiny is destruction, that is eternal punishment. (2) Their God is their belly. In submitting to, and being controlled by their earthly nature, they worship their sensual desire by surrendering themselves to gluttony, sexual immorality, licentiousness, and all manner of unbridled lusts.
 
(3) Their glory or reputation consists in their shame – they are well known indeed, their renown being that of ignominy (dishonour, infamy). (4) Their mind is constantly on earthly rather than heavenly things.’
 
And isn’t that the living truth! Oh Friends, earthly excesses are all around us, and sadly have now become the norm rather than the exception. But as followers of Christ we can’t afford to get caught up in all the immorality and godlessness that’s so prevalent today. 
 
It’s not easy Friends, and Jesus knows that, because it’s everywhere we turn, protruding from almost every little nook and cranny. Bruh Paul also recognized that ungodly lifestyle in his day, that’s why he’s so adamant about us staying on the straight and narrow path. But if he thought things were bad in his day, he’d have a fit, a heart attack when confronted by the high levels of evil and wickedness that’s running rampant in today’s world.
 
That’s why it’s ever so important for us to surround ourselves with true and faithful believers, otherwise we’re liable to get sucked into the evil and immorality that’s running riot.
 
Oh my brethren, in this age we also need to be pressing on diligently and steadfastly towards the mark; that’s walking faithfully in the dictates of God. And thankfully, this advice that Bruh Paul gave to Titus so long ago, still holds true today. Listen to it carefully.
 
‘In all things showing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine showing uncorruptness (integrity), gravity (reverence), sincerity (incorruptibility), Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part (an opponent) may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.’ (Titus 2:7-8)
 
Yes my fellow believers, that’s sound, wise and wholesome advice; advice that can surely benefit us all! So please, let’s read, mark, learn and inwardly digest it nuh, and thus be enabled to have that close or closer walk with Jesus, which we all so badly desire. Much LOVE!
 
…just as every job requires the right tools…to walk with Jesus…one must also acquire the right tools… 
 
P.S. Please excuse the lateness of the Bit Friends, I simply got up late, then had problems finding a Bit that suited what I wanted to say. But as always…better late than never! (smile) Much LOVE!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 25 April 2013 Psalm 97:11

Psalm 97:11.     Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.
 
Oh fellow believers in Jesus Christ, another wonderful day of life is in the offing! What with new mercies and blessings being showered down on the people of Jehovah God, and the faithful promises He’s made us, there’s no reason why every day couldn’t be a glorious day. And all God’s people said a loud and grateful, ‘Praise the Lord!’ Yes Friends, I think we should do a lot more praising and a lot less complaining than we do, simply because we have it so good, compared to most of the world. However, we’ve gotten so comfortable and accustomed to the good life, that if we break a fingernail, we cry out in pain and complain. The Lord expects us to put up with the simple stuff though. Just look at what Jesus bore without complaining eh. Now that should make us feel bad when we complain about minor, petty stuff. So please let’s stop with the endless complaining when we have it so good. Instead, let’s give more praise and thanks for all the goodness and mercy our wonderful God has showered, is showering, and will shower down on us. And on that note, I’ll ask, have you given Him thanks and praise as yet, for allowing you to see another new day? Well that’s the first thing we ought to do when we arise each morning, for the Lord delights in the thanks and praise of those who benefit from His largesse and LOVING-kindness. That’s why our Bit today so wisely declares: ‘Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.’ And that’s an undeniable fact Friends! When our hearts are right, we shine with the glory of God, like Moses when he came down from Mt. Sinai bearing the two stone tablets that held the Ten Commandments. His face shone so brightly that Aaron and the people were afraid to come close and look upon him, and he put on a veil to talk to them. (Ex.34:27-35) And according to the scholars: ‘From that time onward the veil became part of his ordinary dress. Only two occasions were exceptions. (1) When he was alone with God, and (2) when he had a message for the people from God.’ It’s also interesting to note that when Job’s friends lambasted him, they too referred to his life bearing light if he repented and sought righteousness. Listen to Zophar. ‘For then thou shalt lift up thy face without spot; yea, thou shalt be steadfast, and shall not fear: because thou shalt forget thy misery and remember it as waters that pass away; and thine age (life) shall be clearer (brighter) than the noonday; thou shalt shine forth, thou shalt be as the morning.’ (Job.11:15-17) Now hear Eliphaz. ‘Acquaint now thyself with him (God), and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee. Thou shalt make thy prayer unto him, and he shall hear thee, and thou shalt pay thy vows. Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways.’ (Job 22:21, 27-28) Yes my brethren, light is indeed a big part of the Christian’s walk with God. It was important in the Old Testament and Jesus made it even more so. He spoke a lot about light and darkness. Remember that all important statement He made about us? ‘Ye are the light of the world.’ (Matt.5:14a) He was also characterized as the light shining in the darkness of this evil world. John referred to Him as ‘the True Light.’ (John 1:9) Jesus also portrayed Himself as light; ‘that true light is come into the world.’ (John 3:19) ‘Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light.’ (John 12:35-36) So there’s no denying that light is closely associated with belief in Jesus. All God’s dealings are done in light and not darkness, because He has nothing to hide, plus the light is a refreshing change from the darkness of evil where underhanded deeds are done and hidden from the light of truth. Therefore all God’s children affairs should also be done in, or be able to withstand the light, exposed to the truth, for only lies, rebellion and deceit need the cover of darkness. For as Cousin Sol so wisely points out. ‘But the path of the just is as the shining (bright) light, that shineth more and more (ever brighter) unto the perfect day.’ (Prov.4:18) So all in all Friends, we need light in both the metaphorical and physical worlds, for without either, we can’t find our way in the darkness, making us very liable to stumble and fall in both situations. Consequently, our words and deeds should be above board, capable of setting worthy examples for both the believer and unbeliever to follow. As the psalmist so rightly declares in Psalm 112 – Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord. ‘Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.’ (Ps.112:4) Oh my brethren, as followers of Jesus, and therefore children of light, please let’s go out today and in all our endeavours, endeavour to be gracious, righteous and full of compassion, so that we may further the righteous and glorious kingdom of God, as we are expected to do. That’s the epitome of wisdom! Much LOVE!…don’t hide your light under a bushel…set it at the top of the hill…so that all the world can see…and be gloriously reflected in that light…the light that’s Jesus…
 
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 9 April 2013 Psalm 5:12

Psalm 5:12.     For thou, Lord, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield.
 
Oh Friends, this is one of those mornings when the ole fella found it hard to rise and shine. That’s because I did some running around yesterday and didn’t get proper rest, so the ole body rebelled on me this morning. Hn, hn!  That sort of reminds me of how we rebel against our wonderful Creator. I guess that ought to give me some inclination of how He feels when I’m disobedient. Don’t know when I’ll realize that I’m no longer a spring chicken nuh, that I’m not young, resilient and sprightly as I used to be, and can’t burn the proverbial candle at both ends, without eventually paying a price. (smile) Anyway, we’re up now, and with God’s help, ready to blast off for places unknown. And we’ll begin the lift-off with this quote from the famous American poet and educator, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882). ‘Believe me, every man has his secret sorrow, which the world knows not, and oftentimes we call a man cold when he is only sad.’ And that’s truth in spades, my people! We use outward behaviour to quickly judge others, and in many cases our judgements are completely wrong. The quandary though, is that most times the outward behaviour is all we have to go on. We either can’t, or don’t want to get to know the other person on a deeper level. The solution to that problem then is not to judge as much or as harshly as we like to do. Let’s give the other person the benefit of the doubt, just like we’d want them to do with us. As the basic principle of our faith decrees; do unto others as we’d like done unto us. Let’s try and follow that principle as closely as possible today nuh Friends, it’ll make life so much easier and much more pleasant for all concerned. And to help us do that, let’s also take this advice from Bruh David’s prayer for protection. It’s the verse before our Bit. ‘But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest (protect) them: let them also that LOVE thy name be joyful in thee.’ (Ps.5:11) Why should we do that, you ask? Our Bit gives us the answer. ‘For thou, Lord, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass (surround) him as with a shield.’ And that my people, is one of the most awesome truths in this world! So much so, that all God’s children rose up with one accord and with a mighty shout, gratefully declared: ‘Bless the Lord, O my soul, for He is indeed mighty, and will look down with abundant favour on those who put their sincere trust and faith in Him!’ That’s for certain sure my brethren! And please remember that those words of our Bit didn’t come from any hearsay nuh, but from the personal experience of Bruh David, who was so tight with God, that he was called a man after God’s own heart. (1 Sam.13:14)  Oh fellow followers of Christ, to me that is the greatest commendation a human can receive. And I think it’s what all believers should endeavour to be called. It’s not an easy task, but as with every other good thing, with the Lord’s help and our own diligence, we can certainly reach that level of excellence. Now let’s look at some scriptures that support our Bit. In Psalm 29, the voice of the Lord in the storm, Bruh David solemnly ends with this great statement of faith. ‘The Lord sitteth (sits enthroned) upon the flood; yea, the Lord sitteth (sits) for ever. The Lord will give strength unto his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace.’ (Ps.29:10-11) More awesome truth Friends! And in Psalm 68, Bruh David again ends with another declaration of utmost faith. ‘O God, thou art terrible (awesome) out of thy holy places: the God of Israel is he that giveth strength and power unto his people. Blessed be God.’ (Ps.68:35) Oh my fellow believers, it’s all these scriptures of divine assurance, faith and trust that we need to write deeply and indelibly in our hearts, minds and souls, so that we too can stand steadfast, strong and true in this evil world, empowered by them, through God’s Holy Spirit, to do His Holy Will! And we’ll end with one of the most famous passages of scripture, one that we all know, but as usual, don’t put enough trust and faith in, otherwise we wouldn’t be as anxious and fearful as so many of us are. That great man of God, the prophet Isaiah, assures us of the protection and strength of our omnipotent, omniscient and omni-present God. ‘Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint (weak); and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fail: But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.’ (Is.40:28-31) And all God’s children sent up a mighty shout to heaven. ‘Thank You Lord! You are most worthy to be praised! We truly LOVE You and bless Your Holy Name! Amen!’ Yes Friends, let’s go about the Lord’s business today with those powerful words of truth and assurance reverberating in our souls, so that we can stand strong and diligently pursue His Will in a most excellent manner. That’s certainly wisdom at its zenith! Much LOVE!…though God’s promises are tried and true…believers should never take them for granted…but always maintain a sense of awe…at the majesty and generosity of our great God…
 
  
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 23 April 2012 Hebrews 6:15

Hebrews 6:15.    And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.

It’s Monday fellow believers, and we’re all alive and blooming! Praise the Lord! But it’s also time to roll out and join the workweek battle that’s already begun – it’s quickly picking up steam too. So if you want to reap those promised rewards, both earthly and heavenly, then you’d better get a move on to fight the good fight in Jesus’ army. Now, though victory’s been eventually guaranteed, we still need to be steadfast, strong and persevering against the minions of evil, who currently rule the roost. No war has ever been won by lazy, complaining, inefficient soldiers. Therefore, to boost our naturally lazy, negative spirits and keep us enthusiastically keeping on, let’s ask the Father for His assistance by singing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn with much vim and vigour. All together now: ‘Oh Lord God Almighty, Creator of the universe and all therein! We, your humble servants, praise your Holy Name and thank you that this Monday morning we have jobs to go to; jobs we don’t like, jobs that are unfair, difficult and even dangerous, but which serve a useful purpose here on earth; keeping lives and families together. We also thank you Father for the renewed vitality and enthusiasm you’ve wrought in our weary souls over the last two days. It’s that rejuvenation of Spirit which allows us now to sally forth with confidence into the evil, ungodly world that surrounds us, to begin a new week of work, constantly buffeted and bombarded by the enemy’s wicked taunts, wiles and lies. But heavenly Father, we’re not afraid, for we know we’re invincible, sure conquerors, once we’re wearing your powerful, protective spiritual armour. We surrender our all to you, and humbly ask that you let your incredible aura of LOVE, the Holy Spirit, lead and guide all your servants as we go out to meet the enemy in battle. Fill us with steadfast faith, so that we can make worthwhile inroads into the enemy’s ranks, and thereby further your glorious kingdom. We pray this in the Holy Name of your Son, and our Saviour, Jesus Christ. AMEN!’ And if that doesn’t wake us up Friends, then let’s segue right into Bruh Paul’s famous speech in Hebrews 12, about running the great race of life in faith. ‘Wherefore seeing (since) we also are compassed about with (surrounded by) so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset (ensnare) us, and let us run with patience (perseverance) the race that is set before us. Looking unto Jesus the author (originator) and finisher (perfector) of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.’ (Heb.12:1-2) Yes mih people, in the annals of Christendom, there are innumerable believers who have witnessed to us living by their faith, therefore we must do everything in our power to set the same example for others, now and in the future. And we can only do that by putting aside everything that keeps us back; all the excess baggage, whatever it may be, including any prevalent sin(s) that constantly ensnare us, then running the race of our individual life, God’s plan for it, with patience, both waiting on His timing as well as having the endurance of a long distance runner. And the best example of that is Jesus, who bore all His crosses, literally and figuratively, with a sense of destiny, because He knew the end result was well worth it. As our Bit says: ‘And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.’ Just like Abraham, Jesus was highly rewarded for His faithfulness; a seat next to the Father, a glorious eternal kingdom, and a Name to which all must bow. The same message and principle applies to all of us, His loyal followers today. If we want to be true and serious builders of Jesus’ kingdom my Friends, be the seed in the parable of the sower that ‘fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit a hundredfold,’ (Luke 8:8) then here’s Jesus’ prescription for it: ‘But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest (noble) and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.’ (Luke 8:15) Oh my brethren, I know that it’s not easy living for Jesus, because He requires the utmost trust, faith and surrender from us, with ever increasing excellence, things that this evil, ungodly world don’t appreciate or encourage. But believe me, the rewards for following Jesus are worth every bit of the hard times and frustrations faithfully endured. And we’re not finished with this patience, perseverance, endurance business yet Friends. If we’re not around tomorrow, then we won’t need it (smile), but if we are, then it will be right back on our plates again, because there are so many scriptures that emphasize this very important principle of patience in serving our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Till we meet again tomorrow, the Lord willing, let’s endeavour to truly LOVE our God, faithfully LIVE our Faith, and diligently SPREAD His Word! Much LOVE!…a heart full of LOVE for Jesus…will be blessed with a spirit full of patience to do His will…

 

 

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 22 April 2012 Hebrews 6:15

Hebrews 6:15.     And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.

Oh Friends, many of you are going to fellowship with other believers this Sunday morning, or have already done so, if you celebrate the Sabbath on another day. Now many of the physical churches will be, or were crowded, but how did you feel? Did you feel as though you had ample room to interact with God? Or were you sort of stifled? You know the saying that an empty church seems to have more room for God. I believe it’s true. When the church is full, all the bodies take up so much space, that there’s less for God. Hn! Okay, I’m just being facetious, a bit foolish, because as Jesus told the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well: ‘God is a Spirit, and those that worship him, must worship him in spirit and in truth.’ (John 4:24) Therefore, His spiritual presence doesn’t take up any physical space. But the saying is true in the sense that an empty church, or one with only a few people, allows us a closer and often more meaningful interaction with God because there are fewer distractions. And if you don’t believe me, just try it for yourself sometime. Find an empty church, sit down, kneel, or whatever, and see if your communication with the Father isn’t much smoother with less static and external disturbances. That’s why Jesus always went to a quiet place to pray, to talk to the Father. This brings me to what I want to share. Last year in the Gethsemane watch on Holy Thursday night, by myself in the church, around midnight, the Lord advised me to listen. I took that to mean listen to Him more closely and often for guidance, as well as listen to others; do less talking and more listening. Well I believe I’ve improved a fair amount in listening to Him, but definitely not as good in listening to others. I still think I talk too much. Shut up children and stop smirking! (smile) But that’s because of my passion for whatever I’m talking about. However, I’m working on it. Like building faith, it’s a work in progress. Now this past Holy Thursday, the message I received during the Gethsemane watch was; abide in me – with patience. Please note the proviso Friends – with patience. Abiding in the Lord is surely worthwhile, but if we don’t do it patiently, we’ll lose most of the benefits of abiding, for we can’t be faithful and trusting without that important element of patience. We all know that God’s time does not always coincide with ours. We always want everything now for now. But He challenges us to wait on Him, testing us, while building our Christ-like character. But unfortunately, patience is not something on which our society places a high premium. Rather, our world has become very impatient, what with the advanced technology and the numerous, almost immediate ways of communication, we tend to want everything like yesterday. However my people, God’s Word, from beginning to end, stresses patience. Now that could mean mere waiting on Him, or persevering through adversity, or being steadfast and true in faith, basically enduring, but always letting God lead in His time. And one of the biggest tests of patience comes from our Bit: ‘And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.’ The author of Hebrews, whom most scholars consider to be Bruh Paul, is there referring to Abraham, to whom God promised a son when he was seventy five years old, by his wife Sarah, who was around sixty something, way past normal childbearing age. (Gen.12) In the natural that seemed impossible, and they both had their doubts, Sarah even laughed, but they persevered in faith, and twenty five years later, when Abraham was one hundred, and Sarah about ninety, the promised son, Isaac, was born. Thus Bruh Paul could confidently say: ‘Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. For ye have need of patience (endurance), that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.’ (Heb.10:35-36) Oh my brethren, strong faith with plenty patience is a must if we truly want to serve the Lord God Jehovah! And as Bruh David so eloquently puts it in Psalm 37: ‘Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices (schemes) to pass.” (Ps.37:7) Therefore Bruh Paul could also write this famous passage to the Romans, re the results of justification through Christ. ‘And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience (produces perseverance); And patience, experience (character); and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed (does not disappoint); because the LOVE of God is shed abroad (has been poured out) in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.’ (Rom.5:3-5) And I’ll stop there for today my people, because I don’t want to try your patience too much, (smile) seeing that we live in this very impatient, ungodly world, and many of us have sadly been thus programmed. But we’ll renew our acquaintance with patience tomorrow, provided the Lord sees fit to continue breathing life into our bodies and souls. Till then, please go safely, in peace, hope, LOVE and patience, as Christ Jesus desires. Much LOVE!…I waited patiently for the Lord…and he inclined unto me…and heard my cry… (Ps.40:1)

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 1 April 2012 Matthew 21:9‏

Matthew 21:9.    And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.

 PALM  SUNDAY!

All hail the triumphal entry of Jesus into His city of Jerusalem! Oh Friends, it was a bright and sunny day like today, two thousand years ago, when Jesus triumphantly entered the sacred city of Jerusalem on a lowly donkey, using people’s clothing as a saddle, riding over palms and clothes on the cobbled stone streets, while the crowds enthusiastically greeted Him. The next time though my brethren, it will be an entirely different story! That time He came humbly, on the next occasion though, Jesus will enter Jerusalem with much pomp, power and glory, as a conquering hero, having already crushed His enemies underfoot. And to show how the Good Book is a cohesive work of God from beginning to end, and not simply man’s imagination, the shouts of our Bit: ‘Hosanna to the (Save, we pray, thou) Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest,’ echo the words of Psalm 118: 24-25. ‘Save now (Hosanna) I beseech thee, O Lord: O Lord, I beseech thee, send now prosperity. Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the Lord: we have blessed you out of the house of the Lord.’ The triumphant entry of Jesus also recalls and fulfills the prophecy of Zechariah: ‘Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just (righteous), and having salvation; lowly (humble), and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.’ (Zech.9:9) The donkey was a symbol of peace, which was what Jesus, Israel’s King came to bring, so He wasn’t coming on any snorting, prancing charger which the kings of the earth rode when they came to wreak havoc and destruction. Thus the rabbi’s of Zechariah’s time and thereafter could not understand how their Messiah, their victorious warrior-king, could ride up triumphantly on such a meek and lowly animal. But their vision was grossly distorted, for instead of the Messiah being a warmonger, as they envisioned Him, He came then as an angel of Peace. Now that doesn’t mean He isn’t also a most formidable general, in fact the best ever, but back then that was His Father’s plan, so that the many prophecies about Him could be fulfilled. Note too Jesus’ words when He sent the two disciples to get the donkey: ‘Go your way into the village over against you (opposite), and as soon as ye be entered into it, ye shall find a colt tied, whereon never man sat; loose him, and bring him. And if any man say unto you, Why do ye this? Say ye that the Lord hath need of him; and straightway he will send him hither.’ (Mark 11:2-3) And it happened just as Jesus predicted. They found the colt and untied it, but were accosted about their intentions. However when they said that Jesus needed it, there were no further problems. An important point here are the words; ‘whereon never man sat’ Per the scholars, ‘An animal devoted to a sacred purpose must not have been put to common use.’ (Num.19:2, Deut.21:3) Those scriptures talk about the unblemished animals that were to be used as sacrifices; similarly, this donkey could not have been ridden by anyone else before Jesus. Ah Friends, that first Palm Sunday was such a great occasion, with the great outpouring of peace and LOVE that the celebration engendered. But such was the fickle and selfish nature of mankind back then, that after welcoming Jesus into Jerusalem with such joy on Palm Sunday, five days later, on Good Friday, many of those same ones were crying out for Him to be crucified. And unfortunately, we are still as fickle and selfish – no, even more so than two thousand years ago. One day we climb on one bandwagon, say Jesus’, then when it no longer suits our selfish needs, we jump on another one, most likely Beelzebub’s. But my people, our lives will never improve if we retain that finicky, fickle, jump from one side to the other. Only when we stay constant and steadfast on one track, preferably Jesus’ will improvement ever be possible. There’s much truth in the saying that when we don’t stand strong for something, we’ll fall easily for anything. That’s exactly what happened to those people back then: they didn’t stand true and steadfast for Jesus; He was merely treated as the flavour of the day. And so, because of their wishy-washy attitude, they eventually lost out on salvation and eternal life. Please my brethren, let’s not be like them nuh. We’re much luckier, and I surely hope smarter, having the good news of the gospel and two thousand years of history to draw from. Sadly though, too many of us are still drawing the wrong conclusions. If we consider ourselves believers in Jesus, then let’s be willing to stand up proudly and be counted, come what may. Let’s stop jumping from pillar to post whenever we think the grass looks greener on the other side, because invariably it’s not, which only leads to more disappointment. Oh my people, Jesus was the only man who walked this earth claiming Godly status, and actually proved it by His extraordinary actions. Therefore we know that His word is true, that He’s faithful and trustworthy, so let’s be wise and stand strong in His Name nuh! This Palm Sunday let’s imagine ourselves back there on the streets of ole Jerusalem, waving palms, throwing clothes, crying out Hosanna’s to the Son of David, our hearts bursting with LOVE and joy as the Prince of Peace triumphantly enters on His lowly steed, fulfilling the Bible prophecies. It’s the only sensible response for a believer. Much LOVE!…true believers stay true…even in the most difficult of times…

 

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