Palm Sunday, April 9, 2017 Psalm 118:26
Psalm 118:26 English Standard Version (ESV)
26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD!
We bless you from the house of the LORD.
In Hebrew the phrase “we bless you” is plural indicating that the King/Messiah and all who join Him in victory are blessed. The word “bless” comes from the Hebrew “barak” meaning, “to bestow ability for success.” From the greater person to the lesser. In faith, praise is the greatest gift we can offer our Lord. The blessings that come from the temple at Jerusalem now resonates through the Church, brought by pastors, missionaries, teachers, and others who proclaim the Gospel of Christ. 1
Today is Psalm Sunday. The praises, which greeted Jesus, will soon turn to cries for His death. But today we praise His name as the one who comes in the name of the Lord to receive our worship and praise. He is the coming one. Who brings salvation and life itself.
It was once a common practice for the youth to be confirmed on Palm Sunday and to receive first communion on Maundy Thursday. On the day of confirmation each Christian is encouraged to renew and strengthen their commitment to Christ. Today is the first day of Holy Week. How do you express your commitment to Christ? What does it look like? How will your observance of Holy Week strengthen your walk with God? How is this week different then all others?
Almighty and ever living God, in your tender love for the human race you sent your Son our Savior Jesus Christ to take upon him our nature, and to suffer death upon the cross, giving us the example of his great humility: Mercifully grant that we may walk in the way of his suffering, and also share in his resurrection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen 2
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[1]
Lutheran Study Bible, © 2009 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis
[1] Collect for Palm Sunday, http://www.liturgies.net/Lent/LentenCollects.htm
Luther’s
Seal © Ed Riojas, Higher Things
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