Mark 11:7-10 “When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it. 8 Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. 9 Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted, "Hosanna!" "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" 10 "Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!" "Hosanna in the highest!"
This passage has within it one of the more symbolic events in the gospels. As I consider this passage and the glory of Christ’s coming as He enters Jerusalem the multitudes have gathered. The Lord is here! The Lord is here! “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.” It is such a compelling sight and a powerful picture of the impact that the presence of God has on any given setting. Whenever Jesus comes to the church today there is a similar reaction. People are moved, hearts are touched and people are compelled to offer magnificent sacrifices of praise.
As I read this passage however my thoughts are drawn to one of the less noticed characters in the story; the donkey! Can you imagine this beast of burden? He is only a lowly donkey. He has nothing to offer but a willingness to bear the presence of the Lord. What moves my heart is his similarity to every person who has been given the privilege of being a carrier of God’s presence. When God moves people’s hearts move with Him. When God comes, the attention of man is turned in praise and adoration. But can you imagine the mind of that donkey? Do you think he ever realized it was not him that the people were cheering for? They were laying their garments at his feet and lifting up loud cries and cheers of joy as he walked by. Surely he was the one they were praising!
This condition is so like unto the hearts of many who carry the presence of the Lord. Has the realization of our own insignificance ever penetrated through the haze created by the praise of men? When we prosper is it us or is it Him? When we are used by God’s power who is it that deserves the glory! Each person who bears the stigma of the anointing is in reality only a beast of burden in the context of who deserves the praise. Paul said it this way in 1 Cor 4:7 “For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?” When the Son of God chooses you from the side of the road and climbs upon your back to make His grand entrance into a situation, remember who it is that the people are really praising!
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