PALM SUNDAY - HOSANNA TO THE SON OF DAVID

Christ Jesus, though he was in the form of God,

did not regard equality with God

something to be grasped.

Rather, he emptied himself,

taking the form of a slave,

coming in human likeness;

and found human in appearance,

he humbled himself,

becoming obedient to the point of death,

even death on a cross.

Because of this, God greatly exalted him

and bestowed on him the name

which is above every name,

that at the name of Jesus

every knee should bend,

of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

and every tongue confess that

Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father.

Well, our journey through the desert has come to an end.  The tour company was on hand and took charge of the camels and all of the equipment we have been carrying.  I made my goodbye to Benjamin who, with typical camel attitude looked at me in disdain and then he paid me a supreme compliment, he walked away without spitting at me.  I guess that there is no greater sign of affection that a camel can give so I was honored. 

The Master came to each of us and warmly thanked us for joining Him on this journey.  He said that He had business to attend to and He would see us next on Thursday.  After speaking to each one of us individually, He called us all together and He spoke to us one last time. 

"Children, I leave you now.  I have business to attend to that you cannot help with.  I have to see people and do things that are of importance to my family and my Father's business.  It is fitting that we end our time together in the desert on this Sunday of the Lord's triumphant entry into Jerusalem.  The story of Jesus entering into the Holy city is rich with symbolism, some of which escapes us in these modern times. For example, why did the people lay down their cloaks and wave palm branches?  Back in the day, this was how Romans honored their heroes, kind of like rolling out the red carpet as we do today.  There is also the symbolism of Him riding on a donkey. A king who had conquered a land and was assuming the kingship thereof would want to make his presence known.  If he was going to be a real bastard of a king, he would ride through the town mounted on a white horse and survey his new kingdom with much pomp and ceremony and he would leave no doubts in anyone's mind who was in charge and to whom they should make their tax checks out to! "

"On the other hand, should he ride in on a donkey, it was a forecast that he would be a kindly but just leader to the people of the neighborhood, one who brought wisdom and kindness with him and who would judge justly and wisely.  It was this latter type of king Jesus was to be, rich in kindness and wisdom and short on rod and whip.  So, enter the Holy City with rejoicing.  It is God's city.  Neither the Israelis nor the Palestinians are the true owners of it, although they like to think that they do.  You will find much to fill your spirits here.  Enjoy the feast and I will see you next on Thursday.  Uriah will show you the place.