As we celebrate holy week, I reflected today on Palm Sunday and what that means for us today. In Mark 11 we read Jesus’s ride into Jerusalem on a donkey and what that ride symbolizes. The ride into Jerusalem set the stage for the coming of the crucifixion, Jesus’ death ultimately giving Him power over death and hell (Revelation 1:18).
Why is Jesus’ ride into Jerusalem significant? The significance of this ride into Jerusalem and the way He took the ride represents Jesus’ complete reason for coming to earth and that was to bring peace and be our peace.
What is life without peace? Peace of mind? Peace in our families? Peace in our hearts? Peace in the world? Life without peace is a bunch of hardship, stress and unrest. This is not the quality of life God wants us to live in. The quality of life God wants for us includes His favor and peace. God’s favor and peace brings rest from our worries and cares.
Today many people are living without God’s peace, they don’t have rest. But God wants you to have peace and rest. Peace with God and people bring a healthy and stable mental, emotional, social, physical and spiritual experience. It brings the building up of ourselves and others, “So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding” (Romans 14:19).
Jesus rode a donkey down that dusty Jerusalem rode to people lying garments down, waving palm branches shouting “Hosanna in the Highest.” For a King to ride a donkey and not a horse (horses are always used in battle), He’s saying to us that He’s a humble King, bringing peace and not war.
In my reflections today I realized God’s mission has always been to bring you and I peace and favor.
When Jesus was born, a heavenly host of angels appeared to three shepherds watching over their flock at night telling them to go see Jesus. They were singing, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests” (Luke 2:14).
When God’s favor and peace rests on your life, you will rest. Are your troubled in your heart, mind, body or spirit? Jesus wants to give you rest,
“Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light” (Matthew 11:29-30).
I’m not certain of what you’re going through as you read this but Jesus does. The day He rode down the road to shouts of “Hosanna in the Highest” was him riding down that rode for you. He was riding down that rode preparing to go to the cross to take authority over every problem, sickness, disease, concern, worry, fear, trouble, trial and tribulation you’ve faced and are facing today.
This ride Jesus was being acknowledged as King and the only King who could put depression, anxiety and other mental health disorders under His feet. The cross, that was soon coming, would give power to all who believe in Jesus. This power empowering believers to live a life of peace.
It’s God’s will that you live in peace. Peace in your mind. Peace in your family. Peace in your heart. Peace in the world.
If you’re not experiencing peace in your daily life, I encourage you today to center your focus on Jesus, the one who brought peace and healing on earth to all who will believe.
Centering God in your life to receive peace is to open your Bible every day. Read the principles of God and His instructions on how to do life. His instructions will bring peace to you.
Will you believe Jesus for your peace today?
Say a prayer for peace in your heart, in your family and in the world ,
“Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you” (2 Thessalonians 3:16, NIV).