Down, But Not Out!

 The next day, the news that Jesus was on the way to Jerusalem swept through the city. A large crowd of Passover visitors took palm branches and went down the road to meet him. They shouted, “Praise God! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hail to the King of Israel!” John 12:12-13 NLT

Many times when I read about events in the Bible, I try to use the things I understand to help me relate to what happened. When I thought about the Palm Sunday celebration, it reminded me of the ticker tape parades for sports teams when they win the championship. The teams are celebrated like the champions they are. People take a day off from work and school to attend the parade. So when I think about these parades, I can imagine the celebration, as that crowd took palm branches to line the roadway for the animal, as Jesus went through the city. They celebrated Him; worshipped Him; hailed Him as King. The voices of their worship filled the air.

A few days later, the voices of the crowd, circulated through the city. This time they were no shouts of worship or adoration. There was a change in the words of their mouths. They didn’t remember how He healed their diseased and raised their dead; they had a short memory. It’s easy to look at them and shake your head but if you are honest, you have to admit that times change, but people don’t. Jesus’ experience here, is similar to what many face today.

What do you do when you are celebrated on Palm Sunday and crucified on Good Friday? Do you run into the closet and hide? That would be the ideal place if all you want to do is to curl up and die. But there is life after disappointment. God never wastes your pain. He uses those moments of heartbreak to propel you into your destiny. There is purpose in you; your disappointment does not mean the end of your journey; Jesus steps in and pours the oil of healing in your wounds. When you get back on your feet, you will have the ability to walk faster and go further. Look at your disappointment through different eyes; God is with you.

Thought for Today:  Friend, they can knock you down but they can’t knock you out.

Have a blessed day and walk in faith and victory.