Today’s Reading: Acts 13:47 NIV
47 [Paul said,] “For this is what the Lord has commanded us: ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’”
Isaiah 49:6 NIV
He says, “It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.”
Good morning!
Palm branches are waving all over town. Folks stood in the streets of Jerusalem, waiting to welcome Jesus of Nazareth into their city. We see Him riding on the back of a donkey, as folks huddle together, trying to catch a glimpse of the great teacher and healer. His fame had spread throughout all of Galilee like wild fire. The curious, the sick, the scoffers and mere spectators lined the city streets like paparazzi, shouting “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!”
What a day this must have been for the people of Jerusalem. The light of life had come; yet, in the frenzy of a ticker tape parade, many folks didn’t see it! There was a great current of expectation moving through the crowds. The sick, lame and lost – all of them hoping for a miraculous, supernatural healing. To finally be set free of the bondage of their physical limitations was more than they could imagine. To be free to live life in wholeness of heart, leaving their lives of emotional distress behind was their heartfelt prayer. Would they finally see their miracle as they looked in the eyes of the one riding into their city? Could Jesus of Nazareth offer them more than they could ever possibly hope for?
Jesus came into the city to fulfill His Father’s plan for all people. He longed to see His people healed from the sins eating them alive. More than anything else, Jesus wanted them to know and love His Father, their Father - our Father. He already knew how His life would end and begin again. Jesus could have healed them all in an instant; yet, they would never fully understand the real gift of salvation without His ultimate sacrifice. How His heart must have wept that day, on a day like no other, when the light of life rode into the city and the people could not see Him for who He truly is.
Christ fulfilled every prophetic word; every promise made. He is the light of the world and in Him is no darkness at all. We have His Word that He will return one day soon to reign in the Holy City, forever. His kingdom of light and life will never end. When Jesus returns, will you be standing in the street waiting? Jesus will give you a brand new life right here and right now. All you have to do is ask Him to forgive you, to wash you; ask Him to come into your heart today.
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO
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