Blessed is the King (Lent Devotion) - Sunday, April 14 (Palm Sunday)
Blessed is the King
When he came near the place where the road goes down to the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for 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.” (Luke 19:37-38)
The events of Palm Sunday bring into view the crucial hours of Christ’s life and confront our hearts and minds with the stuff from which our salvation comes. This is the very heart and core of the Gospel.
The occasion of the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem occurred six days before the Passover celebration amidst throngs of pilgrims. Already many people had arrived and more were coming every day.
As Jesus approached Jerusalem, there are those who recognized Him and spread the word of His arrival. Jesus of Nazareth, the one who heals all manner of diseases, the worker of miracles, is coming! At hearing this, many went out to meet Him. Some spread their cloaks and the road; others cut palm branches and spread them in front of Jesus. In the midst of the commotion, the cry rings out, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord.”
It is a bit difficult to think of Jesus’ death as He rides into Jerusalem. We really don’t want to hear about death during this excitement. We would rather see Him riding in triumph and hear the crowds cheer. Who wants to think of death as a parade goes by?
We are living in the days after the cross and the resurrection. We know something of Jesus as the King of kings. We know Him as the Savior of the world, as our Lord. We are forgiven sinners because of Him and what is to come for Him at the end of this road we see him riding. We know He died for us.
It is our joy to celebrate, to stand in remembrance and shout praise. Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed be the Son of God who came to redeem us! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest! Glory in heaven and peace on earth in the hearts of men, women, and children and between those whose faith rests in Him!
So, cast your palm branches before Him. He has gone the way of death for you. Raise your hearts and voices in admiration and praise!
Blessed be you, O King of kings. May you daily ride triumphantly into our hearts as we recall your passion and live in the assurance of forgiveness and eternal life you have given us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.