Here is your monthly spiritual food from Minister Crystal Cochren. Enjoy!
7 And they brought the colt to Jesus, and cast their garments on him; and he sat upon him. 8 And many spread their garments in the way: and others cut down branches off the trees, and strawed them in the way. 9 And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord: 10 Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest. ~ Mark 11:7-10 (KJV)
Today is Palm Sunday. Today is the beginning of Holy Week. Holy Week is a fantastic culmination of the Lenten season. Christians celebrate this week to focus on Jesus’ path towards the cross. We celebrate Palm Sunday to recognize Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem as He began the final week of His life.
On Palm Sunday, I often reflect on how fickle the people were who cried, “Hosanna!” By Friday, those same folks were yelling, “Crucify him!” We can be fickle, too, in terms of how we treat God. We receive new mercies every morning that God allows us to wake up and experience a new day. Yet, we do not always express gratitude to God for God’s blessings. If it’s raining, we complain. If there’s snow on the ground, we complain. If there’s a heat wave, we complain. I could go on and on… Some of us complain about everything!
Instead of complaining, let us contemplate what blessings God has given us and continues to give us. For example, God gives us an opportunity each day to increase our spiritual and emotional maturity. If emotional and spiritual maturity is not important to us, we do not focus on becoming stronger. Yet, we cannot overcome the trials that the adversary places in our lives when we are immature. We cannot display faith in God when we are immature. Instead of complaining, we should focus on becoming mature in God. When we are mature in God, we can readily see the countless blessings that God has bestowed upon us.
Let us make a concerted effort during Holy Week to set aside time to reflect on Jesus and His ministry. Study the Gospels to learn more about Jesus’ teachings. As we celebrate Palm Sunday let us remember all that Jesus has done for us. Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord. Be blessed as you increase your focus on your spiritual and emotional health. Remain encouraged.
