Prominence or Supremacy
by Pastor Bill Pevlor
Next Sunday, April 8th, we will observe an important day in
the Easter season. Palm Sunday is, traditionally, the Sunday before Easter. Palm
Sunday commemorates Jesus entering Jerusalem, less than a week before His
crucifixion. It was a marvelous event filled with joy and irony as the King of
Kings rode in on a donkey. Matthew 21:8-9 tells us “A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut
branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead
of him and those that followed shouted, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David!’
‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’ ‘Hosanna in the
highest!’”
The crowd was, obviously, excited by the visiting “prophet
from Nazareth.” They had heard so much about Him. He had been ministering
throughout the region, performing great miracles, not the least of which was
raising Lazarus from the dead just a few days before. (John 12:17-18) Because of
all they had heard and seen, they gave Jesus a lavish welcome and a place of
prominence, but not “the”
place of prominence that belongs to the “Lord
of lords and King of kings.” They recognized Him as someone “special”
but not someone “supreme.” Their actions, just a few days later, would
confirm it.
It can be the same today for many people. They recognize Jesus as a great
prophet and teacher but, for them, saying He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords
is going a bit too far. To truly recognize Him as King of Kings requires a
submission of one’s life to His lordship.
The world has no problem giving Jesus a place of prominence. The world
knows He is, no doubt, a way to God — often a very popular way - but certainly
not the only way. For the “world” there can be no “Lord of Lords.” That
would be too narrow minded; too intolerant. The world says we must embrace the
concept of diversity in all areas—especially religion.
Even Christians (or those claiming to be) can be guilty of the same
offense. It is so easy to go to church and praise and worship God once or twice
a week; to give Him “a” place of prominence. We can easily get caught up in
the special celebrations and activities like Easter. It’s not too difficult
to put away the foul language, grumpy disposition and disgusting habits for
one or two hours a week. We do it out of respect. It’s the least we can do.
However, Jesus is not interested in our least.
He is not looking for our respect a few hours each week. Jesus is looking
for our complete surrender and submission to Him as Lord. Is He merely a
curiosity to you or is He Lord? It’s been said “If
Jesus is not Lord of all, then He’s not Lord at all.”
You may attend church regularly, but do you give Him “the”
place of prominence in every area of your life? Is He more than just an example
of moral and ethical living for you? Are you walking with Jesus on Sunday and
walking over
Him by Monday? Is He truly “Lord
of all?”
Our commitment level to Christ has got to be deeper than the level
demonstrated by the people of Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. Remember, on Sunday
they were honoring Him, shouting praises to Him, laying their cloaks and palm
branches before Him. Yet, before the week was over they were condemning Him to
death.
Their commitment level to Christ was never more than a fleeting fascination
in the miracles Jesus had performed. It was a desire for entertainment
that captivated their interest for the moment. For most, Jesus had captivated
their interest, but not their hearts. Their hearts were still committed to the
old ways. This would become evident when Pilate asked the crowd what he should
do with Jesus in Mark 15 — “Crucify
him!” they shouted. All the pomp and circumstance of Palm Sunday proved
to be nothing more than religious ceremony; mere lip service. And, as is
always the case with religious ceremony, it has little lasting effect on the
heart.
Take time to think about your own heart as we approach Palm Sunday. Have
you truly given Jesus the position of Lord
in your life? He deserves more than mere lip
service.
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