Today marks Palm Sunday the day when many were confirmed in the faith. Today is the day we recall a national calamity – the Psalm Sunday tornado – in 1965. Many were without power for a week. Entire cities were destroyed. Do you remember what you were doing on that day? Do you remember the storm’s effects? Few recall the actual date but many remember that it happened on a particular day, Palm Sunday. Today is the first day of a very important week – Holy Week. Together we will walk with the Saviour observing His passion, suffering, and death.
The original Palm Sunday started with the hope of a dream come true – God coming to visit His people. It ended in a nightmare – God’s people rejecting His only Son. The day began with the Saviour receiving the praise which was His due. It ended with Him lamenting over the city of Jerusalem for He knew that their approval and adulation had been short lived. At day’s end He knew their heart. His work had been rejected. They applauded His coming but rejected His commands. They rejoiced at His presence but were rebuffed by His preaching. They rejoiced at His entry they revelled and reviled Him in His death. Today we watch in wonder as He will take our misery, pain and loss bearing our sin to be our redeemer. Passion Week is upon us. We watch and worship recalling the compassion of His passion.
The original Palm Sunday started with the hope of a dream come true – God coming to visit His people. It ended in a nightmare – God’s people rejecting His only Son. The day began with the Saviour receiving the praise which was His due. It ended with Him lamenting over the city of Jerusalem for He knew that their approval and adulation had been short lived. At day’s end He knew their heart. His work had been rejected. They applauded His coming but rejected His commands. They rejoiced at His presence but were rebuffed by His preaching. They rejoiced at His entry they revelled and reviled Him in His death. Today we watch in wonder as He will take our misery, pain and loss bearing our sin to be our redeemer. Passion Week is upon us. We watch and worship recalling the compassion of His passion.
Almighty and everlasting God, You sent Your only Son, Jesus Christ to take upon Himself our flesh and to suffer death upon the cross. Mercifully grant that we may follow the example of His great humility and patience and be made partakers of His resurrection; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Schnorr von Carolsfeld, woodcuts © WELS Permission to use these copyrighted items is limited to personal and congregational use.
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