Hosanna

Mk. 11:9

And those who went before and those who followed were shouting. "Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest!

Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a colt at the beginning of the Passover week, a week which recalled Israel's freedom from Egypt. Truly this week would herald another liberation, that is for those people who would believe in Jesus and His death and resurrection. It would mean their freedom from the power of sin, death, and Satan.

As Jesus rode in to town, many spread branches across his path as they joyously shouted. Hosanna means save or please save. What did the people want to be saved from? Their next statements revealed their thinking. They were blessing Jesus as the coming Messiah. Of course, the people thought it would be from Roman occupation, but the Messiah's mission was far more reaching than that. However, the people along the parade route realized that Jesus was sent by God and was beginning the long foretold kingdom of David. To them this was the answer to years of waiting and years of servitude. It meant that what they had learned was now being fulfilled. But sadly, they missed the true point of Messiah as savior. His revelation as Messiah came about in a much different way than any of them would ever imagine. From their way of thinking, how could deliverance follow a crucifixion and a death? How could it leave the Roman Empire in control? The answer was that the Kingdom of God came by faith and grace. Faith in the resurrected Jesus and grace to freely receive what He offered. I can truly say, Hosanna! Blessed be the name of the Lord!

How hard it must have been for these 'Hosanna-shouters' at the end of the week when their hopes were dashed and their servitude would be unaltered. But for the few who knew Jesus, a new life had been born in them and their servitude to sin and Satan was at an end. For a few it was the beginning of a whole new life and mission. Truly Hosanna had been fulfilled before their eyes!

Father,
Thank You for saving me and giving me new life. Help me to always keep my eyes on You even when I don't understand the circumstances.
In my Savior's name,
Amen