About sadness and beauty…
John 12:13 They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting,
"Hosanna!" "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the
Lord!" "Blessed is the King of Israel!" (NIV)
As He rode into Jerusalem in what seemed to be earthly victory, Jesus knew
what was going to happen...the crowds, the shouting, the praise, the palm
branches...He knew better. The cross was ahead and He knew it. He knew the
desires of His heart for the human race to accept Him and call Him Lord had been
shattered. The dark powers so inherent in the world were coming against Him. The
politicians, the Sanhedrin, the scribes, and even the crowds now praising Him
would very shortly cry out for His blood. Our Lord knew there would be no
realization of a change in their heart. As He looks upon Jerusalem He is
weeping, and He is calling out to Jerusalem to gather under His wing. "O
Jerusalem, O Jerusalem, killing the prophets and stoning those that are sent to
you! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her
brood under her wings and you would not!" It is both tragically sad and
beautiful. At this moment in your life, where are you? Are you sheltered in His
arms? Are you sheltered in His arms and don't know it? Are you praising Him
today only to turn you back upon Him later?
