Tuesday/The Sound of Holy Week

Psalm 20:7-9; John 12:12-13

As Holy Week began, the people threw down their coats and waved palm branches in the streets and shouted, “Hosanna.” Of course we understand this to be a name for Jesus. However, when we look at the Old Testament it literally means, “Save us, Lord. Please!”

Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. They collapse and fall, but we rise and stand upright. O LORD (Hosanna), save the king! May he answer us when we call. - Psalm 20:7-9

The picture here is a desperate plea for someone to rescue them. For centuries, Israel was in search for a savior; someone…anyone who could rescue them. Yet, their desperation went from a general, “God save us, send us a Messiah” to a specific cry to Jesus. They found their savior and all attention was fixed on 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

When was the last time you felt desperate for a Savior? Can you hear yourself asking God for your rescue? Or does self-reliance still reign in your heart?

This idea of being saved, this idea of finding Jesus as Savior, the source of our salvation, is important for us as we go through life. We must recognize that we all come to a place where we look and say, "somebody save me." Do you remember what that’s like? To be broken?

Holy Week reminds us that no matter what the provision of your rescue, Jesus is the author of that rescue.

Experiential Suggestion: So this Tuesday, I want you to hear Hosanna in your own heart: Read a Rescue Story; Psalm 40, 69 or 80. Fast from some form of media so you can hear God and drown out the noise.

Have a great Tuesday. I pray you hear on Tuesday as well as you smelled on Monday.