Do you remember carrying a palm branch down the church aisle on Palm Sunday? This Bible story of Christ's triumphal entry into Jerusalem recorded in Mark 11 always seemed to be custom-made for children to act out.The Sunday School teacher would line us up smallest to tallest and hand out the palm branches in front of the entrance to the sanctuary. As the organ sounded the first hymn the ushers would swing open the doors and we would troop down the center aisle waving the willowy fronds.
When I grew up, I learned the same crowd that cheered Jesus during His triumphal entry into Jerusalem was likely the same group that condemned Him to death days later. What must Jesus have thought as He rode into town on the donkey. His joy must have been bittersweet - For he knew who was going to betray him - John 13:11. He also knew this crowd for He understood men's hearts.
As I prepare for Easter I've thought about my heart. There are days that my spirit soars and I promise great things for God. I feel at other times like Peter who rejects Christ after promising He'll never leave Him or disappoint Him. It is never a surprise to Christ when I falter or lack faith.
The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure.
Who can understand it?
Jeremiah 17:9
I am so thankful that Christ loves me while knowing my heart from the start to the finish of my life.
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Hi Rhodema, This is so true. How God must be so disappointed in us today as we waver from moment to moment. Proclaiming His name and then denying him.
ReplyDeleteI'm really glad He loves me too...just as I am...Sarah
ReplyDeleteGreat insight. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteBlessing as you celebrate this holy time of the year. He is risen. He is risen indeed!!
Blessing to you this Easter season as you seek after Him. Love your heart.
ReplyDeleteI shared some Palm Sunday memories, too.
ReplyDeleteIts a great time of year... may we continue to grow in our journey with Him.
Excellent post with a much needed message. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad that the Lord loves me and knows my heart.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Ginger
We're on the same page. I just had a good cry with my Maker, seeking help with all my imperfections. I feel better now. :-)
ReplyDeleteHe knows. He sees. He loves... unconditionally. Beautiful message here.
ReplyDeleteOur pastors Palm Sunday message spoke to how all of us sometimes feel like Peter or Thomas but that God knows our heart.
ReplyDeleteAnn
What beautiful family picture, and I too am so grateful he was able and willing to suffer for me, Easter is a sad time, as we acknowledge the suffering Jesus did for us and then we know he rose into heaven to be healed and relieved of all the pain and we have a chance to be free and live decent lives. Thus our family is close and loving and I'm so grateful to God for all he gives us.
ReplyDeleteDorothy from grammology
grammology.com
Delightful memories this post invokes. I'm sad that my memories of palm branches in church do not go back beyond the past 20 years. Before that time the church I was in wouldn't have even thought of having children carry palm branches. I'm thankful that changed about 20 years ago. Bring on the palm branches. lol
ReplyDeleteBlessings for a wonderful week.
Charlotte
Precious post! Thank you so much for sharing this with us. God bless!
ReplyDeleteHappy Palm Sunday!
Good post and another example of God's love for us. Jesus knew what would happen, yet He came to do the will of His Father. And our thoughts/actions/words are not a surprise to Him, yet He still chose us to be His own.
ReplyDeleteBlessings my friend!
The instability from humans! And I thank God for the stability that only comes from our Lord Jesus. Blessings to you and have a blessed week!
ReplyDeleteBoy, that was a sobering thought, but how very true. Thanks for the encouragement to walk rightly!
ReplyDeleteI do marvel that God in his infinite goodness can look at me with fresh eyes as I struggle with the same areas of sin in my life. You put it so beautifully...he is ever coaxing me to obedience. I so don't want to praise him with my mouth yet walk in disobedience. Thank goodness his mercies are new every morning. Have a blessed Easter.
ReplyDeleteMe too! Thank you for sharing it so beautifully! Sorry I'm a bit late visiting for Spiritual Sundays. Have a beautiful Easter week celebration.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Sandi