Break Our Hearts! Practicing Compassion Together. Sample

Today is Palm Sunday. This is the day when we, the people of God, remember the triumphal entry of our savior into Jerusalem. It also marks the beginning of Holy Week.

In an article* on Holy Week, Chad Bird provides us with some deep insights into the meaning of the word “Hosanna”

This Hebrew word (pronounced Ho-shee-ah-nah) is more prayer than exclamation. It means, “Oh, save now!” or "Please, save now!" The root or stem of the verb for “save” is yasha, which is also the root of the Hebrew name of Jesus, Yehoshua, which means “Yahweh saves” or “Yahweh is salvation.” So in shouting, “Oh, save now!” to the Savior himself, it’s like we are saying, “Do for us who you are. ‘Jesus’ us. Save us!”

As we remember this moment in time, there is a surprising paradox to the story...do you see it?

As Jesus was riding in on a donkey, he was riding in to save His people, but not in the way we thought. He was not riding in to conquer Rome or any human emperor or king, he had a much bigger foe in mind…he was riding in to deal with our sin and the domain of darkness in the world.

Can you catch the paradox of Palm Sunday...do you see it?

Jesus was not riding in on a donkey to defeat Rome and live as the new King of Israel…he was riding into Jerusalem to die. In the Kingdom of God (the reign of Christ in the realm of our hearts), winning is exemplified through death and resurrection.

This is the way of our risen King. As you read today's Word, may you join the people of God in crying out our prayer to Christ our King:

HOSANNA! (Jesus us!)

*1517.org, 4 1/2 Hebrew Words To Know.

Today’s Prayer of Illumination:

God, source of all light, by your Word you give light to the soul. Pour out on me the spirit of wisdom and understanding that my heart and mind may be opened. Lord Jesus, as I follow you today, help me practice compassion, break my heart for what breaks yours. Amen