Day 171 "The next time He comes it will not be in peace."

Day 171 Matthew 21:6-9 So the disciples went and did as Jesus commanded them. They brought the donkey and the colt, laid their clothes on them, and set Him on them. And a very great multitude spread their clothes on the road; others cut down branches from the trees and spread them on the road. Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: “Hosanna to the Son of David! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!’ Hosanna in the highest!” A few years past, I was standing on the Mount of Olives not far from where Jesus made His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. As you stand there looking across the Kidron Valley toward the Temple Mount, you cannot help but be moved as your mind naturally recreates in its own way this amazing scene. It is as if you are taken back in time. You begin to see the people coming from all directions headed back to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. There is a natural excitement in the air; the streets are crowded, old friends young and old are reuniting; the city is alive! Suddenly, to the east there begins a small commotion, almost unnoticed at first, as a man riding a donkey appears making His way toward the city. What are those people shouting, you wonder? What's all the excitement about? Then you hear the words "Hosanna to the Son of David." Why are those people are shouting "Save us, we pray!" and calling this man “the Son of David," our Messiah? Look, they’re even throwing their coats down before him and waving palm branches. Why, that’s a sign of defiance to the Romans! Who is this Man? Possibly, they get the attention of Caiaphas, whose house is on the hill facing directly to the east–the commotion cannot be missed. Does he notice or is he wondering what all of the excitement is about; certainly, he does not know what lies ahead. Back on the road, the people who have followed Christ are filled with joy and excitement as well. How will He save us, some wonder? Will He drive out the Romans and establish His rule? Where is His army? How will the rebellion begin? Will He perform more miracles? Who knows what was going through their minds. And all the while, Jesus sits quietly upon the colt being led to the city and the people He loves enough to soon die for. Needless to say, the days ahead will hold many surprises, and many lessons will be learned. Yes, to be in this land is magical; to walk where He walked a blessing; yet even today, they, the people of this great city, are still waiting for their Messiah, largely unaware that He has already come and gone. However, let us not forget that He is coming soon again, and while, yes, there are many lessons to be learned, we do not have the guarantee of tomorrow so be watchful and wary, for your King is on His way. Pray for the peace of Israel for He is coming soon; this time on a white horse, and no man will miss His coming the second time. Daily Prayer: Father, we anxiously await the return of Jesus. We pray for the peace of Jerusalem and the salvation of Your chosen people. May You be glorified in all we do. In the name of Jesus our Lord we pray these things. Amen. "The next time He comes it will not be in peace." Pastor Gene Burroughs