God's Story

March 29, 2015
Opening Hymns:
348 Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh348.sht

Scripture Reading:
Mark 11:1-11
11:1 When they were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples

11:2 and said to them, "Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden; untie it and bring it.

11:3 If anyone says to you, 'Why are you doing this?' just say this, 'The Lord needs it and will send it back here immediately.'"

11:4 They went away and found a colt tied near a door, outside in the street. As they were untying it,

11:5 some of the bystanders said to them, "What are you doing, untying the colt?"

11:6 They told them what Jesus had said; and they allowed them to take it.

11:7 Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it; and he sat on it.

11:8 Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields.

11:9 Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting, "Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!

11:10 Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David! Hosanna in the highest heaven!"

11:11 Then he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple; and when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.

John 12:12-16 12:12 The next day the great crowd that had come to the festival heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem.

12:13 So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, shouting, "Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord-- the King of Israel!"

12:14 Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it; as it is written:

12:15 "Do not be afraid, daughter of Zion. Look, your king is coming, sitting on a donkey's colt!"

12:16 His disciples did not understand these things at first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things had been written of him and had been done to him.

Message:
I don’t often know what to do or say about Palm Sunday. I never seem to be able to celebrate as fervently as the celebration calls for. We know what is to come. It almost seems like we need to pretend not to know. It never feels right. Totally not the way I would have written the story. How would I have written the story? How would the story have gone if it was up to us?

In King Herod’s version of the story, he would have had Jesus perform miraculous works, not for the glory of God, but for his own entertainment. Some of the Jewish people of His day would have Him come as a warrior of God, fighting for God’s chosen people. And some of the religious leaders seem to get the story they want, until three days later…

Yet the scripture from the Old Testament already had Jesus’ triumphant march written. He would come into Israel humbly, riding on a donkey. His triumphant march into Jerusalem would not be the end… like I sometimes wish it was. Jesus would go on to die for us on the cross. The story isn’t even over then though. Jesus will conquer death and our sin through His sacrifice. He will again rise, and show us God’s glory. It is the greatest story of all! Best to leave the story in God’s hands.   

Time of Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, You are the greatest story writer of all. Let us always to remember You and seek to do Your will. Walk with us this day, in each of our own lives. Let our stories reflect Your love to the world. Amen.


The Lord’s Prayer


Closing Hymn
569 We’ve a Story to Tell to the Nations http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh569.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.