Faith to Give, and Faith to Take

March 19, 2013

Opening Hymns:
369 Blessed Assurance http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh369.sht

Scripture Reading:
Luke 19:28-34

²⁸ After Jesus had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. ²⁹ As he approached Bethphage and Bethany at the hill called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, saying to them, ³⁰ “Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. ³¹ If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it.’”
³² Those who were sent ahead went and found it just as he had told them. ³³ As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, “Why are you untying the colt?”
³⁴ They replied, “The Lord needs it.”

Message:
“The Lord needs it”… that answer seems to be enough for the owners of the colt. We don’t even get to hear their response. However, we might assume that they said, “okay, here is the colt, and God bless.” In all truth it would have been hard being the owner of the colt. They might not have had many possessions and this colt may have been very valuable to them. Perhaps it helped them do their work and get money for food. It almost is as if someone began to take your car, and said “the Lord needs it” when you question them on it. What an amazing response of faith to simply say “okay” and let the car go.

In my opinion it would actually be harder to be the disciples who are taking the colt. How out of place they must feel. They know that they will return the colt, but it must feel like they are stealing. If I was one of the disciples I probably would have let some of the other disciples handle it. What could happen to you if you are caught stealing? What would society think about it? It is a big act of faith to follow Jesus’ words, and see everything unfold just as He said they would. They get the colt, and the owners let the colt be used to carry Jesus through the streets. Through faith from both parties, God's plan is fulfilled.

Time of Prayer
Dear Lord, Thank You for the scripture lesson for today. It is a blessing to see so many people following Your plan with such faith. Grant us this faith so that we too can follow Your plan, even though at times Your plan creates challenges that seem overwhelming. Give us the strength to trust. Amen

The Lord’s Prayer

Closing Hymn
381 Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh381.sht

May the Lord bless you and keep you: May the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you: May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace." Amen.

Go in peace, serve the Lord
Thanks be to God