The city is bustling with sounds of sheep, doves, many children running through the streets ducking between the visitors entering Jerusalem for the Passover. Metal pots hanging from the shop keeper’s tent keep rhythm with the beads that clash from the necklaces cascading from their merchant’s display. The shuffling of feet glazing the dirt covered stones in the road weave a tune of expectation and excitement.
The smell of soup simmering in kettles fills the area with a delightful aroma of spices and seasonings. The gentle breeze in the noon day sun kisses their cheeks in the sweet afternoon of day. A rag tag group of children play in the corner of the shop keeper’s tent while their mother looks for last minute items before Passover begins.
Sacred men quickly pass by the long row of eclectic and various shops carrying large bouquets of flowers preparing for the Passover feast that will soon begin. Pigeons squeal waiting to be purchased for a humble offering by those who are unable to buy the more expensive doves as some of the elders in the synagogue are able to do.
A stout woman’s voice reluctantly carries down the mirage of material avenue as she argues for a better price of some wax candles to bring home to light the evening’s time of remembrance. In contrast, coins fall one by one clanging against the rusted metal side of their greedy shop keeper’s container of profit. With a note of discord in the midst of the organized chaos, a weak and needy beggar sitting at the end of the block loudly coughs and asks an intentionally oblivious stranger for a little help to sustain him for another day.
Murky water gentle drips from troughs as camels and mules refresh themselves from the journey into the crowded city. They scuff their feet against the dirt hoping to create a nesting place until the time of ritual has passed. The donkeys pull their rein and nee in communication of their tiredness and obstinate refusal to be taken for granted one more time to carry the heavy goods and parcels back to the homes of where their owners are temporarily staying for the week of worship.
A few miles up the road another solemn but ironically unnoticeable event is taking place that will change the view of the world and all that it means. A few men dressed in dusty robes and leather sandals murmur amongst each other. Sweat obstinately falls from each of their foreheads and is wiped away by a practical sleeve that has been used many other times before to provide temporal comfort from the heat and humidity.
The younger one squints and looks up at the sun blazing down on them. He places his hand on the brim of his crown to shade him from the pain of the bright glowing light. He is hungry and longs for the days tasks to end so that they may go and find some nourishment in the city. He smiles at the companion next to him who concurs with a nod of his head with his friend’s silent wish.
It has been a long day of traveling along the twisting hills passing through fields of olive trees. The annual time to enter the city and to offer sacred sacrifices has come once again. Their leader wisely calls out to them with a few instructions for the day.
He always seems to know what is best even if it isn’t quite obvious at first. He is a good and wise man with a tender heart ready to meet the needs of anyone who reaches for Him. He is their hope. He is their future. Most who have met Him believe that He is the Savior.
From the top of the mountain, the group of genuine friends with a variety of personalities and interests look out over the city of centers for worship, roads, shops and homes. The panoramic view from the top of the mountain is beautiful and serene. The wind heals and soothes their tired spirits as they are preparing for a new day to come.
There are lingering whispers throughout the city that a Messiah is coming who will rescue them from their pain and persecution. He will deliver them from oppression and create a new life of freedom. He will save them from the vices of those who do not know them and have no compassion for them. He will be the new King. He will reign and establish them in a new sovereign Kingdom.
The two friendly companions who have worked and shared life together for three years have been given instructions and although they don’t understand the purpose for what they have been told --- follow and obey what has been asked of them. They walk towards the city.
It seems rather odd. There are many young colts throughout Jerusalem. But somehow their Savior knows before it even happens that one will be waiting for them as they enter the city. This colt is part of God’s plan and design.
Chewing on a piece of stray grass and tied loosely to a wooden post next to a door on a street corner quietly waits a young donkey for the task that lies ahead of him. He does not know yet how to lift and carry any burden but he will soon carry the most valuable and loving gift to the world.
His owner out of fear that someone is trying to take what belongs to him, questions the two gentlemen untying his property. They politely answer “The Master needs him and will return him right away”. Understanding that his donkey will serve a greater purpose than standing still, he agrees to let his colt be borrowed for the purpose in which he was created.
The two lifelong friends return to the steep mountain of olive trees once again to find their Savior patiently waiting for them. The crushed road beneath their feet is muddy with deep rivets from years of traffic and continual use. The twelve gentlemen waiting with him take off their personal cloaks that have been their coveted protection from the harsh elements and lay them at His feet to make the path more even and smooth.
The humble Savior steps up and finds a resting and comfortable place upon the innocent and gentle creature for His journey into Jerusalem.
Rumors have been floating through the crowds and homes of the metropolis. A Messiah is coming to the city - a desired and expectant figure who will change their destiny. It is hoped that He will demolish the Roman cruelty and suffocating demands that daily inflict callous scraping and bitter treatment of its obligated residents. Rome’s legalistic formalities and rules crush the spirits of those who must live under their watchful and critical surveillance.
In the distance a rumble can be heard of voices excited to see who is coming on the horizon. It is the miracle worker -- the compassionate one -- the one who loves without discrimination -- the one who brings hope - riding on a simple donkey into the glorious city of Jerusalem.
Sensing that they are in the presence of someone regal who will change their whole perspective of themselves and the world, they appreciatively and graciously offer their cloaks as a mantle of respect and admiration for all that He promises and will do for them.
The winding and dirt road is willingly layered with colorful blankets of coats. One after another, they fall at His feet. Large green vibrant palms in earlier years while in slavery meant to shade the Egyptian royalty as they sat by cool waters, now shelter and comfort the Savior who regally passes before them. Joyful and exuberant shouts can be heard throughout the villages.
Hosanna!
Blessed is HE who comes in God’s name!
Blessed is the coming Kingdom of our father, David!
Hosanna in the Highest Heaven!
Children and adult mingle and gather together. Running to keep up and also turning around to eagerly watch the One who will bring them hope and who will change their destiny. So many people -- so many needs, so many dreams -- each one feels that this Savior knows them and loves them too.
God is coming. God will meet them. God will change them. God brings hope for an eternal tomorrow.
As you think about your life, what ‘cloaks’ are you carrying?
What are you holding onto in order to shelter your doubts?
What do you need to lay down at the Savior’s feet?
As you think about this day of worship, what offering can you bring to Him?
Proverbs 3:3-10
Don’t lose your grip on Love and Loyalty.
Tie love and loyalty around your neck.
Carve their initials on your heart.
Earn a reputation for living well in God’s eyes.
Trust God from the bottom of your heart.
Don’t try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God’s voice in everything you do.
Listen for God’s voice everywhere you go.
He’s the One who will keep you on track.
