Tag: Matthew

  • Donkeys – Beasts of Burden – and a sign of Jesus

    donkey

    I’ve always had a soft spot for donkeys. It likely stems from a  giant stuffed donkey I had as a small child. Donkey-Burro was nearly as tall as I was and a constant companion.

    Donkeys and I have an affinity. I have never met one that didn’t like me. If there is more than one person around, the burros seem drawn to me.

    I remember one occasion in South Africa. The place we stayed had a donkey that I visited. Each time Kathy drew near, the donkey got between Kathy and me, moving her away so it could have my exclusive attention.

    Donkeys (or asses, in some older translations) appear in several places in the Scriptures. They are shown as beasts of burden, the mouthpieces of God (Balaam’s donkey), symbols of wealth (see Job), and symbols of peace. It’s the latter I want to touch on this morning.

    A donkey is used prophetically to symbolize the coming of the King of Peace.

    Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. Zechariah 9:9 ESV

    We know from the gospels that this prophecy was fulfilled.

    Now when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will send them at once.” This took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet, saying, “Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’” The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them. They brought the donkey and the colt and put on them their cloaks, and he sat on them. Matthew 21:1-7 ESV

    The Jews were expecting a conquering, military messiah. That sort of king would ride in on a stallion, symbolizing wealth and military might.

    Instead, Jesus rode in on the donkey, a humble beast. He shattered their expectations and showed that He would be a different sort of king. He was a King of Peace, changing things by winning hearts and souls, not crushing them under His feet.

    There will be a return at the final judgment when all things are weighed and all of His enemies banished, a time when justice reigns perfectly and supremely, and a time where love conquers all.

    The humble beast brought the victor into Jerusalem that day. His ways are not our ways, and for that we can rejoice.

    The next time you see a donkey, remember the humble King of Kings and praise His name.

    Kevin

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  • Treasure of trash? The cross of Christ.

    Canada Gosse nest with eggs
    Canada Goose nest

    I remember it as clearly as if it were yesterday rather than more  than twenty years ago. Genni, the Wonder Dog, and I walked around the lake. 

    Up ahead of us, three boys, the eldest perhaps aged ten and the other two maybe eight and six, were busy at the lakeshore. As we drew closer, they came to “pet the dog” and show us the great treasure they had found.

    Two goose eggs that they had fished out of the lake were in a Ziploc bag. Although they were covered in weeds and algae, they were nonetheless intact.

    “They still have the yolks in them,” said the oldest. “They probably got drownded.”

    “We’re taking them home to keep,” said the middle one.

    The eldest pointed to the middle boy with pride and said, “He gets the award for being the most disgusting human being alive. He reached into the muck and weeds and got them for us.”

    We spoke for a couple more minutes, and then they carried on their way. I saw them later sharing the news of their great treasure with another couple out walking their dog.

    I suspect the boy’s mother will be less than thrilled with the treasure the boys bring home, especially if it ends up in a drawer somewhere for a week or two, and they discover it by the smell.

    Such is life. One person’s treasure is another person’s trash.

    It is that way with the Gospel. Those of us who have found Christ are called to tell others about it. It is the most wonderful news in the world. It is worth more than all the gold and diamonds in the world. Everyone can be free of the penalty of his or her sin. God loves us enough to have died for us. We can have eternal life.

    To some, though, that treasure is simply foolishness.

    For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.” Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 

    Each person must make up their own mind whether the gospel is a treasure worth dying for or foolish words. Do not be discouraged by those who reject the message. That is between them and God. Continue to share the treasure with all who will listen.

    Until next time, may you share the truth of Jesus Christ with many.

    Kevin

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