Issue 975 – The Arch – February 4, 2023
Tree-covered roads and paths can make me think of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. It is one of the few events to make it into all four gospels. The assembled crowds adored him.
The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!” John 12:12-13
Their adoration was short-lived. Some of these same people were among the crowds calling for his death just a few days later.
Pilate addressed them once more, desiring to release Jesus, but they kept shouting, “Crucify, crucify him!” A third time he said to them, “Why? What evil has he done? I have found in him no guilt deserving death. I will therefore punish and release him.” But they were urgent, demanding with loud cries that he should be crucified. And their voices prevailed. John 23:20-23
That’s the way of crowds and often people in general. We are fickle. The line between hero and zero is fragile.
Today’s pro athlete or movie star is tomorrow’s nobody. The politician elected by a landscape will be a villain next week. Everyone loves a sports team that is winning but let their record slip, and everyone hates them.
Groups disintegrate, friends drift apart, families come apart at the seam, workplaces close, and marriages break down.
A good friend takes offence at something, and suddenly you are no longer friends. It can even happen in the church, the very place where forgiveness and grace ought to be the easiest place to find.
At times we might wonder if there are any relationships that last.
There is one that lasts for eternity.
The Lord knew and loved you before you were ever born.
For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them. Psalm 139:13-16
He died for you even when you rebelled against Him.
God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
He adopted you into His family.
See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. John 3:1a
He has reserved a place for you in eternity with Him.
In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. John 14:2-3
We can be encouraged by knowing that we are loved that much and His love cannot be lost. Having experienced His grace and forgiveness ought to motivate us to show grace and forgiveness and grace to others. Being filled with the Holy Spirit can empower us to build bridges with others rather than tear them down.
Relationships are important. Let’s use God’s tools to build and strengthen them. May we not be numbered among the fickle crowds.
Be Blessed
Hallelu Yah / Praise God
Kevin
Gleanings From The Word
Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life.
Soli Deo Gloria (For the glory of God alone)
__________________________________________
Please like and share this post with friends and your circle of influence. Also, feel free to comment.
Did you know that we have an email version? Same great content but in a different format. Subscribe today https://mailchi.mp/f27bbeb09c22/ gleanings-1
_____________
We also have a website
https://gleaningsfromtheword.com
______________________________
All contents, “Gleanings From The Word” and “Experience an Extraordinary God in Ordinary Life,” are © 2001, 2023 K.F. “Kevin” Corbin Gleanings From The Word.
Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is from the English Standard Version (ESV).
___________________________________________
#Gleanings #theWord #devotional #encouragement #Biblestudy #faith #dailyBible #verseoftheday #GleaningsFromTheword #KevinCorbin #bible #jesus #god #faith #christian #love #Christ #Father #pray #Holyspirit #YHWH #yahweh #Jehovah #bibleverses #jesuschrist #church #prayer #christianity #scripture #gospel #hope #truth #godisgood #worship #believe #blessed #amen #grace #Word
#relationship #crowds #fickle #treeArch