March 5 - When Palm Sunday Doesn't Feel like Palm Sunday

Mark 11:1-11

Happy Palm Sunday!  Are you as surprised as I am that today is Palm Sunday?  It's hard to keep track of the days when "Shelter in Place" is the law of the land.  One day goes into the next, and at times there is little to distinguish them.  Your routine, unless you are a healthcare worker or a grocery store employee or perhaps a first responder, has been completely upended.  Things you took for granted - visits to the library, a night out with friends and family, sporting events - are all gone.  You can't even get a hair cut or a manicure, for heavens sake!

It all seems surreal.  And many, many people in our country and around the world have tested positive for Covid 19.  Tens of thousands have died, and we mourn their deaths.  Our public health leaders are urging us to stay home - to flatten the curve.

So in the midst of this pandemic, it just doesn't feel like Palm Sunday.  We can't worship together in person.  We can't wave our palm leaves as we sing "Hosanna!  Blessed is the name of the Lord!"  Thanks to technology, we can worship in our homes - what a blessing that is (be sure to go to UALC.org and find a worship service ready for you).

The people lined the streets from Bethpage to Jerusalem as Jesus, riding a donkey, was greeted as a king - as the savior the Jewish people hoped would lead them out of captivity.  They praised him.  They cut branches off the trees and proclaimed him Blessed.  It was a glorious reception.

What did they do the very next week?  You know the story.  They turned on him.  They crucified him.  We will be entering Holy Week, and I urge you to read the gospels and to remember how quickly they rejected him.  And pray that in the midst of this pandemic, we remember that God is good, even when times are uncertain and frightening.  He has a purpose and a plan, and He loves us.  So rejoice in this day, even when things seem dark.

Yes, at times every day can feel the same - but remember, Jesus has conquered death.  He will come again!  And that will be a glorious day indeed - truly a day like no other.

The Story - Chapter 25 - Mark 11:1-11

It is said that resentments are unmet expectations.  The people had expectations for just who the Messiah was and how he would behave. They were about to be exposed to a dose of heavenly reality.

What we expect, what we want is not always what we get; nor what we need.  The people were waiting for a king, one who was a mighty warrior and who would drive out the Egyptians and free them from a life of slavery.

They didn't know nor understand Jesus.  We too have the same problem.  We are wanting a God who will cure all our ills, who will make life work the way we want it to work.  We want a God who will do our bidding and make us comfortable and safe.  But, as we read The Story and begin to understand God and His Son, Jesus, we see that is not how things are going to be.

Mark 11:8-10 (NIV)
^"Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted, "Hosanna!" "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!"  "Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!" "Hosanna in the highest!"



As we walk along, following Jesus, we soon see that our troubles are meant to draw us closer to God. We learn while we move through life, that there are lots of lessons we need to take in, lessons which will make us or break us.  When we are at our lowest is when God can use us.  When we are on our knees it is then we can be shaped for Him.  Faith grows when we struggle.  I know, it doesn't make any sense, but for me, when I was at the lowest it was then I felt God's closness and His love.

Read Mark 11:1-11 here

Listen to Mark 11:1-11 here