Faith,
There are so many conflicts going on in our world right now. Soldiers and civilians are losing their lives, and millions of people worldwide have been forced to flee their homes because humanity still believes that “might makes right.” Lord, have mercy!
Humor me for a moment and go on an imaginative journey with me. It might be a stretch, but imagine a gathering of all the warring nations this Sunday. The whole world has stopped to watch the news as limos pull up for a momentous “World Council of Peace” in Brussels. All the world leaders are there—President Trump, Putin, Xi Jinping, the G7, Iran’s Mojtaba Khamenei, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and others.
However, one leader in particular is drawing the focus of every camera and journalist. He didn’t arrive in a limo; he sauntered up to the curb on a donkey.
The Chief of Security is summoned:
“Name, please.”
“Jesus of Nazareth.”
“What nation do you represent?”
“My nation has no geographical boundaries.”
“Who are your people?”
“Jews, Gentiles, men, women, slaves, free, rich, and poor.”
“By whose authority are you here?”
“My Father’s authority.”
“His name?”
“Abba.”
“Sir, I’m sorry, but your name is not on the list of leaders.”
“Therein lies the problem, friend.”
Faith, while our world seems unable to let Jesus lead, we in His Church cannot make that same mistake. It is for this reason that we come together every Sunday to worship, sing, pray, and let His Spirit and Word direct our steps.
This Sunday is Palm Sunday. Together, we are going to discover that we—the Church—are the King’s holy nation. It is a nation without borders where there is no Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, rich nor poor. Men and women are equally valued with inherent dignity. We are the King’s “peculiar people,” being conformed to His image. The disciples of Jesus worldwide are His priests, and we have something to say!
Hosanna to the Son of David!
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!
Hosanna in the highest heaven!
In Christ alone,
Pastor Brad
*Message notes are here.
Here are this week’s videos to prepare us for Sunday:
How Jesus Became King of the World (5:47)
Who God Says You Are | 1 Peter 2:9 (2:18)