the stone is rolled away - day 1 of 10

DAY 1 of 10 - APRIL 10, 2022

Special Devotion Written by Dr. Dan Bolin - Taking a Deeper Look into the Wonder of Easter

Excitement crackled throughout the city as pilgrims filled Jerusalem’s inns, crowded its shops, and clogged its roadways. Mainly, conversations swirled around the remarkable young prophet, Jesus. Rumors abounded that he was on his way and would soon join the festival. Was he the Messiah? Would he establish a new kingdom? Would he overthrow the Romans? Was he a fraud? Was he a charlatan? Was he a madman? Waiting outside the city, Jesus sent two of his disciples into Jerusalem to procure a donkey that he would use to enter the bedlam. “The Master needs to borrow your donkey” was all they needed to say, and the beast was provided. Into Jerusalem rode Jesus. The crowds cheered Hosanna! Palm branches danced along the roadway. Coats carpeted the pathway for the donkey to honor its regal yet humble passenger. The moment was breathtaking, the excitement palpable. That magical moment looked back to another astounding entry and forward to a festival that still awaits. A thousand years before Jesus made his triumphal entry, King David led an exuberant procession that returned the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem! Singing, dancing, offerings, and praise fill the streets of Jerusalem. One element of the celebration was a new song that David composed and introduced at this enthusiastic gathering. The song is rich with praise to God and remembrances of God’s glory. One line of the song’s lyrics is of special significance. Cry out, “Save us, O God our savior.” (I Chronicles 16:35a). The word used here for 'save us' is hosanna. As David entered the city, the people shouted Hosanna, and the scene replayed itself a millennium later as Jesus rode a donkey into the chaotic throngs of Jerusalem. The excitement of God’s symbolic presence entering Jerusalem in the days of David, prefigured Jesus’ glorious promenade. The same refrain that welcomes David and the ark welcomed Jesus one thousand years later. But neither the joy accompanying the ark’s return to Jerusalem, or the celebration surrounding Jesus’ triumphal entry, will match the party that awaits. Someday, no telling how long from now, there will be an even wilder celebration. In Revelation 7, the Apostle John describes a scene where, a multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice, Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb. (Revelation 7:9-10). Once more the joyful palm branches will wave. But this time, salvation is not the hope, rather it is the reality of those who celebrate. Their robes are not thrown before Jesus, they are pure white and worn by those who have benefited from the tragic and victorious events of the Easter week. That Palm Sunday, long ago, provided Jesus his entry into Jerusalem and into the events that would change the course of history and eternity. And Palm Sunday today, provides us the opportunity to cry hosanna and know that he will!

Dan Bolin President Refueling in Flight Ministries, Inc