When He Rides In

"Tell you the daughter of Zion, Behold, your King comes to you, meek, and sitting on an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass." Zechariah:9:9


As Jesus Christ rode into the city of Jerusalem, which Christians commemorate on Palm Sunday which begins the Holy week observances.  Many believed that His entrance into the city would bring about all the things that Israel had hoped for all those many year.
There was an air of expectancy.
Each of the Gospels give an account of this event , it seemed to many the fulfillment of the the prophecy in Zechariah was unfolding before their eyes, the Messiah was come and with Him the Messianic Kingdom the restoration of Israel.


"And when they drew near to Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, to the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples,Saying to them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway you shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them to me.And if any man say ought to you, you shall say, The Lord has need of them; and straightway he will send them. All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying,

"Tell you the daughter of Zion, Behold, your King comes to you, meek, and sitting on an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass."

And the disciples went, and did as Jesus commanded them, And brought the ass, and the colt, and put on them their clothes, and they set him thereon.And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strewed them in the way." Matthew:21:1-8

The palm branches that they waved and cast before the joyful procession shows that they believed that the Messianic kingdom had arrived, The Palm branch was used to build the "booths" or "Tabernacle" for the Feast of Tabernacles which was part of the Old Covenant, Holy days, (see Leviticus:23) this particular Feast was associates with the Kingdom of the Messiah due to its mention in the prophecy found in Zechariah:14:16-19  which also speaks of the Messiah's victory over the nations in rebellion against the God of Israel.They believed that victory was at hand.

 Hosanna 

As Jesus rode into the city all of Jerusalem was stirred by His entrance,   there were shouts of  rejoicing, the people cried out Hosanna, which means literally  "save us now" this cry reveals more than we might believe, it not only reflected their hope that the appointed time of the restoration of  Israel had arrived but it also was a veiled demand on their part to guide the course of events and benefit as they could,  it also  exposed an impatience  to wait for Jesus to act as He would rather than as they would have Him act.

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

And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, Who is this? And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee".(9-11)

The Temple

Jesus' first action was to go to the Temple, the center of Israel's relationship with their God. This relationship turned into a business in the hands of some of the religious establishment. Many of the activities that were taking place were not appropriate for the Temple of God , so Jesus drove them out, those who made  merchandise of religion and profited were found scattered . Jesus' actions were to demonstrate the reverence the people of Israel should have in the worship of God. 

"And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves, And said to them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but you have made it a den of thieves" (12-13)

Many sought for  the Kingdom to be set up then and there, but as the Biblical accounts show us  the religious leaders conspired with  and through Judas' discontent and greed , resulting  in the arrest of our Lord and His death on the cross.

Not What They Wanted

The many in the crowd did not get from Jesus  what they wanted, they missed the point of His coming into Jerusalem instead of establishing the "kingdom" as they envisioned it to be,  but instead Jesus  went to the Temple and removed those things that did not belong, it seems that He was more interested in their relationship with God rather then political objectives. Jesus did not ,at that moment,  come to give them the kind of victory that they wanted, but one just as real and ultimately greater than they could conceive.He acted out more then they understood  through the whole procession into the city and His actions at the Temple.

When He Rides In

The same thing can occur to us when Jesus rides into the Jerusalem of our lives, we can rejoice and give glad shouts of Hosanna, and anticipate that all those things which we hope for will be ours. We may hope for victory over life's challenges and personal difficulties, we want His Kingdom in all its fullness immediately and all those  things scripture hold forth to each of us . In our impatience we shout Hosanna! "save us now."

At times we cry out "save us now"   and when our Lord chooses another purpose in our lives we can become disappointed, just as some of those who shouted the cry of Hosanna at Jesus' entry was  within a week were lifting their voices in the angry mob that cried out calling for Jesus' crucifixion.

Instead of giving us wealth and power Jesus instead moves to the temple of our lives, that is our relationship with God. Jesus rides in ,and out drives our the merchandisers of our being, that is our selfish motivations and desires there is no place for them in the temple court of our relationship with the Great God. We are to a "house of prayer" persons who are in communion with the great God.

Victory

The glorious entry into Jerusalem,  when Jesus came humbly into the city of Jerusalem , even as the crowd shouted and waved the palm branches, on that donkey with the colt that walked aside Him only peered ahead to that day of  victory that our Lord will share with us all. In Revelation we see those who have freely received Jesus as their Lord each clutching in their hands  His kingdom ,symbolized by the palm beaches that they hold.That colt walked along in the procession reflects how our victory is born out of His victory ,that colt is each of our's to ride.

 "After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and tribes, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands" Revelation:7:9

Then the parting of the heavens to a great shout,  we see Jesus riding that glorious white horse which symbolized victory in the ancient world,   followed by all who have come to believe in Him,  riding upon white horses as well,  which was pictured by the colt that trotted along as Jesus entered the city of Jerusalem  that Palm Sunday so long ago.

 "And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he does judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a clothing dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him on white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treads the wine press of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And he has on his clothing and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS" Revelation:19:11-16

Each and  all caught up and in His wake of victory as He brings  at long last His Messianic Kingdom over all things. In Jesus we can have a transformed life in hope as we await that glorious day  that Palm Sunday looked ahead to. This is what we await when He rides into the Jerusalem our lives. Amen

Rev.Todd Crouch, Pastor

The Fountain of Life Church a Congregation of Grace Communion

Washington, Pennsylvania. http://www.youtube.com/user/IfItIsNotAboutJesus   www.gcfountainoflife.org

The Fountain of Life Broadcast heard on the RKP Radio Network 1710 & 1670 AM in Washington and North Franklin, Pennsylvania. and on 1710 AM in Bentleyville , Pennsylvania. And online around the world at www.rkpradio.com 

The Public Impact of the Private Life

Have you heard,  or know  of,   a person(s) who is always doing good , they give to charities and other worthy causes. This person(s) might be involved in the community and help out their neighbors?

They might have a great reputation and considered upstanding in character, moral ethical and very outgoing and friendly always wanting to make things better for those around them.

 We may assume that such a one(s) may well be a Christian(s) it is hopped that such person(s) are or is a Christian  for Christan are to do good and be upstanding people and embracing values such as family integrity, honesty and concern for other. 

 

But good works, morals , ethics and values  are no the sole property of Christianity, we can find persons doing good who are not Christians. Buddhist, Hindus and even atheist do good works and be person(s) of high character and integrity , warm and friendly,  these  qualities are seen in the life of non-Christians as well and  unfortunately more so than in the life of some Christians.

Not Good Enough

Morals, ethics, , good works , character and values are all very good things, BUT they are not of them selves good enough. All theses things apart from Jesus Christ ,and   is not born out of our relationship with Him are only temporary for this life alone and have only limited impact.

It is good to do good but good apart from Jesus is,  for the here and the now only. However, what emerges out of a relationship with Jesus Christ can  transform a life forever and impact that person  beyond the confines of this world. Even if it is a simple act of kindness of  just giving a cool cup of water, and  if this good work  comes out of the Holy Spirit in our lives  then it has power to change a life forever.

Evidence of Jesus

 What should be evident in the life of a Christian is the residency of our Lord Jesus Christ .The Christan life is to reflect the truth that our Lord Jesus  is living, that we are in participation with Him, joining Him in His eternal ministry. 

The Ministry of Jesus did not end at His Ascendance  into the Heavens, nor did He abdicate it  to humanity, that is the Church, rather He brings us into what He has and is doing.  

With Him 

The Christian life is more than just, "doing"  it is "being" that is being who we are meant to be in Jesus Christ and being in a relationship with Him , knowing Him,  spending our time in relationship.

 It is important that our private  moments, when none but our Lord's eyes are upon us, that we are focused on Him for it is this private life or prayer and reading of the word of God  that gives impact to our public life. It is time in communion which our Lord that we are transformed. 

David Prepared for the Time and the Time Prepared  for David

We can see that in the life of David as he watched over the flocks of his father Jesse that God was transforming David from a shepherd to a warrior and then King. As David cared for the sheep and thought upon the word of God  he was equipped to deal with the challenges of governing a nation.It was in these private moments out of sight of the world at large God made David into a person whose impact upon the world would be felt for generations. David was prepared for the time and the time prepared for David.

  The Lion and Bear   

It was in his times apart from the public eye that David dealt with a threat to the the flock under his care. Two predators, a Lion and a Bear  came against the flocks and David fearlessly confronted them, giving him confidence of God's  providential oversight of his life.  David recounted this to King Saul as he offered to go and do battle with the Philistine giant Goliath.

"David said to Saul, Your servant kept his father's sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock: And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him. Your servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he has defied the armies of the living God. David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine." 1Samuel:17:34-37

David came to know his God in his private life,  so when that moment  of time arose to confront Goliath who threaten the freedom of Israel and spoke blasphemy against the great God of Israel .David  was prepared to face him and defeat him even as more season warriors and King Saul were dismayed.

"Now the Philistines gathered together their armies to battle, and were gathered together at Shochoh, which belongs to Judah, and pitched between Shochoh and Azekah, in Ephesdammim. And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered together, and pitched by the valley of Elah, and set the battle in array against the Philistines. And the Philistines stood on a mountain on the one side, and Israel stood on a mountain on the other side: and there was a valley between them. And there went out a champion out of the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span. And he had an helmet of brass on his head, and he was armed with a coat of mail; and the weight of the coat was five thousand shekels of brass. And he had greaves of brass on his legs, and a target of brass between his shoulders. And the staff of his spear was like a weaver's beam; and his spear's head weighed six hundred shekels of iron: and one bearing a shield went before him. And he stood and cried to the armies of Israel, and said to them, Why are you come out to set your battle in array? am not I a Philistine, and you servants to Saul? choose you a man for you, and let him come down to me. If he be able to fight with me, and to kill me, then will we be your servants: but if I prevail against him, and kill him, then shall you be our servants, and serve us. And the Philistine said, I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together. When Saul and all Israel heard those words of the Philistine, they were dismayed, and greatly afraid." 1Samuel:17:1-11

David came to know His God and grew in godly confidence, he with the help of God learned how to face the challenges and as a result the threat against the people of God was defeated. The men of Israel' armies withdrew from the sight of  the Giant Goliath but not David.

"And all the men of Israel, when they saw the man, fled from him, and were sore afraid. And the men of Israel said, Have you seen this man that is come up? surely to defy Israel is he come up: and it shall be, that the man who kills him, the king will enrich him with great riches, and will give him his daughter, and make his father's house free in Israel.

And David spoke to the men that stood by him, saying, What shall be done to the man that kills this Philistine, and takes away the reproach from Israel? for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?"  1Samuel:17:24-26

David knew that his God would stand with and for him and that victory would come not through his own "efforts" but from his God. As a result  the problem which confronted the nation was overcome and Israel was made secured  for a time.

"And the Philistine came on and drew near to David; and the man that bore the shield went before him. And when the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained him: for he was but a youth, and ruddy, and of a fair countenance. And the Philistine said to David, Am I a dog, that you come to me with staves? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. And the Philistine said to David, Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the fowls of the air, and to the beasts of the field. Then said David to the Philistine, You come to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day will the LORD deliver you into my hand; and I will smite you, and take your head from you; and I will give the carcasses of the host of the Philistines this day to the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saves not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD's, and he will give you into our hands.

And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came, and drew near to meet David, that David hastened, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine. And David put his hand in his bag, and took there a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell on his face to the earth.

So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but there was no sword in the hand of David.Therefore David ran, and stood on the Philistine, and took his sword, and drew it out of the sheath thereof, and slew him, and cut off his head therewith. And when the Philistines saw their champion was dead, they fled"1Samuel:41-51

Knowing Him

David's private life was spent in preparation, it was out of the sight of others in obscurities  with his God that he was developed into all that he became.In private he dealt with and killed the bear and lion. David's life has had generational impact and led David to the throne of Israel.

It is when we spend our private lives in Communion with the great God that we too can be prepared for that which our Lord may have for us. It is out of sight that we need to face the bear and lions of our lives that make us ready to take on the great giants and Goliaths we may face.

Be Still

The private moments that David spent with God were largely in quiet and in peaceful consideration upon the word of God and Who that word reveals  God to be, in these still time David came to know his God, not just know about Him, but knew Him.

" "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." Psalm:46:10

It is in the times alone, in private moments  with our Lord that He will touch our lives and prepare us for our service to Him. He may be working in the midst of each of our lives to face a Goliath threat that may arise in  our lives or the lives of those around us.

A Time Comes

As the years pass and evil days arise in the future,  of us all the people of God may be called on as never before to share the Gospel regarding Jesus Christ , and the public  impact they have maybe found in the private moments that they have spent coming to know, in a deep personal communion , our Lord Jesus Christ.

"And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits." Daniel:11:32

God may be preparing His people  for a time and a time for His people  to have an impact that we may  have never thought possible doing great exploits of lifting the name of Jesus Christ high over all the earth impacting many here and now and on into eternity. We may face a Goliath challenge and through Jesus Christ we will prevail.Our private life will have a public impact.  Amen

Rev.Todd Crouch, Pastor

The Fountain of Life Church a Congregation of Grace Communion

Washington, Pennsylvania.

The Fountain of Life Broadcast heard on the RKP Radio Network 1710 & 1670 AM in Washington and North Franklin, Pennsylvania. and on 1710 AM in Bentleyville , Pennsylvania. And online around the world at www.rkpradio.com 

Around the Lord's Table

As with many families the main gathering point has been the household table,  it is here that families shared their lives, and their problems.  Yet in spite  of these problems the family members find  , and found, a place to be accepted to belong  in spite of who they, or we all are. As many Christians will be gathered at the Table of the Lord on Holy  or  Maunday Thursday consider this gathering and what it means to each of us.

 The table as a place of fellowship and  family Communion has always been important. The table brought people together, some times from many backgrounds and . Often this was the common place of gathering and the center of family life.

The Last Supper/The First Supper

As Jesus came together  at what,  was in every sense the last Supper of the Old Covenant and as  Jesus would introduce a new meaning and  Sacraments which  demonstrated the New Covenant,  which is God’s new relationship offered to any and all who will but freely receive it ,   available with all humanity not just Israel , symbolized by the Lord’s Supper, Communion or  Eucharist. It could be called the First Supper of the New Covenant.

 We can read of Jesus being very intentional giving instructions to His disciples regarding the preparation of this supper, which up to that point was called the " Passover" . He wanted to be certain that this gathering would accomplish His purposes

 "Then came the day of unleavened bread, when the passover must be killed. And he sent Peter and John, saying, Go and prepare us the passover, that we may eat" Luke:22:7-8

 Jesus gave  instructions to His disciples.

"And they said to him, Where will you that we prepare?And he said to them, Behold, when you are entered into the city, there shall a man meet you, bearing a pitcher of water; follow him into the house where he enters in. And you shall say to the manager of the house, The Master said to you, Where is the guest room, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples? And he shall show you a large upper room furnished: there make ready. And they went, and found as he had said to them: and they made ready the Passover". (9-13)

                                                         The Lord's Supper Instituted

After all the preparation Jesus and the disciples gather around this table , and they engage in the centuries old ceramoney  that commemorated the deliverance of the people of Israel Exodus:12:14-17. 
But now Jesus transforms the Old Covenant Passover into a whole new sacrament  with deeper meaning not just for Israel but for all peoples, this new sacrament is the Lord's Supper or the Communion.

Around the Table

Jesus had desired this gathering with his closest   disciples , He was well aware that this was the last time they would gather in such a setting  this side of eternity.

"And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him. And he said to them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer: For I say to you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God." (14-16)

Jesus then introduces the meaning of  that which was always intended and implied in the Passover. He tells us to "do this in remembrance of  Me" this "remembrance"  is not just recalling a past event, but meaning that we keep Him always in the forefront of our hearts and minds that we are always mindful of  Jesus.

 

 "And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves: For I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come. And he took bread, and gave thanks, and broke it, and gave to them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you".  (17-20)

 Jesus gives thanks,  but not just for a blessing on the symbols they are about to share in but Jesus is also thanking His Father that He can give His life for our redemption and forgiveness so  that we can have Communion.

Around the Table

So often when we read the Gospel accounts our focus is mostly upon our Lord Jesus and this is right that we look to Him, but notice and consider what is taking place among the disciples who are there with Him.

Betrayal 

When we look upon the disciples  at the Table of  the Lord we see sin and expressions of the carnal nature.We  see betrayal.

"But, behold, the hand of him that betrays me is with me on the table. And truly the Son of man goes, as it was determined: but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed! And they began to inquire among themselves, which of them it was that should do this thing".(21-23)

Blame and Accusations

As the narrative unfolds in Mark's account ,we see shifting of responsibilities and  accusation.

 "And as they sat and did eat, Jesus said, Truly I say to you, One of you which eats with me shall betray me. And they began to be sorrowful, and to say to him one by one, Is it I? and another said, Is it I?" Mark:14:18-19

Who is the Greatest?

Here ,at the Table of the Lord,  we wittiness the disciples who are gathered  in midst of one of the most significant  moments with their Lord , and even now,  ambitions and agenda driven strife arises only hours away from Jesus' arrest and death. Here they descend into posturing an bickering over position.

"And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest. And he said to them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority on them are called benefactors. But you shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that does serve. For whether is greater, he that sits at meat, or he that serves? is not he that sits at meat? but I am among you as he that serves".(24-27)

  Even Denial

 At this the table we see even denial of Jesus Himself. Jesus cautions Peter that he will refuse to acknowledge his association in a moments of stress, not only once but three times, yet with this caution there is grace and encouragement for Peter and for us all.

"And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for you, that your faith fail not: and when you are converted, strengthen your brothers. And he said to him, Lord, I am ready to go with you, both into prison, and to death. And he said, I tell you, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that you shall thrice deny that you know me".(31-34)

 Through the Years

 Even Years after the Death, Resurrection and Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ there were problems. The Christians at Corinth had disorder, selfishness , and over indulgence even  as they gathered at the Lord’s Table.  We can read of Paul addressing this catalog of problems in 1Corinthian:11:2-22.

 Same Issues

Years may pass, and the place may change, but these issues have been with Christian all along. Where there are people there will be these issues, no matter what time we are in.

All This Around His Table

Yet these issues  are the very reason  that we all need to come to the Table of the Lord, and these weakness in humanity are   very reason that we are invited to His table.  When coming to His table to share in the Lord’s Supper we are confessing our need. We can neither earn nor deserve to sit and eat the Super of the Lord. 
There is no other place to bring our brokenness, weakness, our lostness and  sin,  no other place we can appeal to for  the Grace and forgiveness.  There is no other that we can call out to for help  but our living Savior Jesus Christ who died  for us all. It is also at this Table of the Lord the we can be included in His love and fellowship, His Communion. Her at His table we find belonging and unity in spite of our selves. It is at His Table alone that this inclusion  is found for us and when we come we bring to it all of our inherent brokenness.

When we come to the Lord’s Table ,we are acknowledging our need  for Him, for our Lord Jesus Christ whose table we sit at in Communion all by Grace,  and what He alone can offer us. We will never, nor can we be, worthy in our own selves,  to sit with Him at His table yet this is where our Lord want us to be.  This something we all need to remember  as we gather around the Lord’s table. Amen

Rev.Todd Crouch, Pastor

The Fountain of Life Church a Congregation of Grace Communion

Washington, Pennsylvania.

The Fountain of Life Broadcast heard on the RKP Radio Network 1710 & 1670 AM in Washington and North Franklin, Pennsylvania. and on 1710 AM in Bentleyville , Pennsylvania. And online around the world at www.rkpradio.com