Daily Reading: Mark 11
Scripture Focus: Go into the village in front of you, and immediately as you enter it you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever sat. Untie it and bring it. (Mark 11.2)
Devotional Thought: As Jesus entered Jerusalem en route to the cross, he was mindful of his purpose – to lay down his life as a ransom for many (Matthew 20.28). In order to fulfill prophecy – and thus to identify himself as the Lord’s Messiah – he arranged to ride into Jerusalem on a colt upon which no one had ever ridden. It was a custom of that day that an animal intended for sacred use must be ‘unbroken.’ This was in order that it would be broken exclusively for the purpose of the deity. And so Jesus not only identified himself as the Messiah, but also as God.
Jesus also was mindful of his purpose in another way. Instead of riding in triumphantly on a war horse, Jesus came humbly upon an animal of peace. That was to remind us that his purpose was not the overthrow of Rome. The Jewish population deeply resented Roman control and influence, but Jesus didn’t come to break that grip. He came to break the power of sin! If you and I had been in Jesus’ position, it would certainly have been tempting to bypass the cross and seek the crown. After all, the crowds had come to him. He was in a good position to establish an earthly political kingdom.
But, he kept his purpose in mind.
Often we are tempted to do things our own way and to seek ends of our own choosing. It is particularly tempting to do so when we are in a position of power and control. Are we, however, able to be like Jesus? Are we able to say, “Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done”?
What is your purpose? Are you keeping it in mind?
Prayer: Father, thank you for your wonderful plan for my life; it is a plan to prosper me and not to harm me, a plan to give me hope and a future. Please help me to keep your plan in mind and to surrender my will to yours. Amen.
Psalm of the Day: 7.6-13
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