THE JOURNEY – ‘IN’

Life is full of journeys. March break vacations to Florida. Summer excursions to the cottage up north. Journeys to the doctor’s office for regular check-ups, and trips to the corner store for that next gallon of milk.

The journey of our lives takes us through some of the most exhilarating highs, as well as some of the most difficult lows. Some are so memorable that they will never be forgotten, and others we’d be happy to never recollect again. These journeys help make us who we are today, and without them, our lives would seem much emptier.

We’re launching a special 2 week this week at Kingsview, on the most important journey Jesus ever made. The one which He lowered Himself from the Heavens, became God-incarnate on that all famous ‘Silent Night’, and surrendered Himself to the plan of salvation,  put into action for us by His work on the Cross.

Today, I’m thinking about His journey IN to the holy city of Jerusalem, as it played out during His Triumphal Entry. Crowds gathered. Palms waving. People laying their garments down in honour of His entry. The masses shouting and praising, “Hosanna, to the Son of David, Hosanna in the highest!” It was a stark contrast of praise & persecution, as the same crowds would, tragically, be shouting for His crucifixion just a few days later.

BUT, it doesn’t take away from the fact there was so much energy in this special window of time. The air was electric. The crowds were euphoric. The adoration was loud and triumphant. They were celebrating the arrival of their King, coming on the scene just as Zechariah’s prophecy had predicted. He was the Lamb of God, and He was worthy to be praised – and the greatest thing is that NOTHING has changed! He IS the Lamb of God. He STILL sits at the right hand of God, and He’ll ALWAYS be worthy of our praise!

I’m thinking about how this majestic entry might have been so much more than Jesus walking into the city under the shouts and praises of the people. What I see is Jesus demonstrating how to walk straight in to the most difficult time of conflict in His life. His mortal flesh wanted a way out (see Gethsemane), but He knew what was right. He didn’t put it off. He didn’t find another way. He knew what our sin would cost, and He committed to go the distance for us. He steeled Himself to do it the HARD way… the RIGHT way.  Any other path would’ve disrupted God’s plans. Any other strategy would’ve changed the design.

Not MY will, but YOURS be done.

Wow. Can you say COURAGE? Do you see His RESOLVE?

I think there’s a HUGE take away for all of us to remember when we’re walking directly ‘IN’ to some of the hardest times of our life. Hold on to God’s plan. Don’t make your own. Don’t change the schedule. Follow His lead. Lean on His strength. He will be enough. He will carry you through.

And, who’s to know the gold mine of destiny that awaits you on the other side?

JJ