Matthew 21:15 – But when the chief priests and the teachers of the law saw the wonderful things he did and the children shouting in the temple area, "Hosanna to the Son of David," they were indignant. (NIV)

Palm Sunday brings memories of my kids being in the throng of children who waved their palm branches as they marched around the church sanctuary. Their voices rang out, "Hosanna in the highest!" The angelic look on their faces would make any parent proud, unless you dared to think about what would become of the crisp, green palms following the parade. Those objects of worship would become swords to defeat their third grade Sunday school mate, or a weapon for the girls to swat those yucky sixth grade boys with. These beautiful palms were abused in every manner after the worshipping was done.

As we start the Passion Week, I thought of our Saviour entering Jerusalem, not on a grand steed but a lowly donkey. I see the people waving palm branches and throwing their coats down for Jesus to ride across. Their spirits were high as they shouted "Hosanna", but before the week was up, their praise turned to hate. They would use their tongues of worship to curse the Son of God. They would forget about the triumphal entry and call for His crucifixion.

So many times, I am drawn into the same kind of worshipful frenzy that the people were in that day. I love my Lord, and after a viewing of The Passion on television or a wonderful service at church, my spirits are high. But what happens to my palm branch after Palm Sunday?

I'm sad to say that sometimes, my worship branch is torn to shreds by the cares of this world. We go back to our jobs, our families, and the hassles of living life in this fallen world. The economy is still bad, our neighbour's daughter is still dead from a car accident, and our family member is still fighting cancer.

Though life sometimes gets in the way of our worship, I am glad to report that the Saviour Who rode a lowly donkey colt into Jerusalem is still in the business of loving us. Whether the world or I wave palm branches or not, He is still the same. He is not diminished by our lack of worship. He is the same today, tomorrow, and forever! The Bible says that He hears our cries even after our palm branches fall apart. I love this Scripture:

Psalm 34:18 – The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. (NIV)

Because of His great love, I can't help but wave my pitiful palm branch in worship to the King of kings. Hosanna in the highest! He is worthy of our praise!

In what shape is your palm branch?

Prayer: Lord, may we always praise You and live our lives singing and shouting, "Hosanna in the highest! You are worthy of all praise!" Amen.

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About the author:

Jeanie Nihiser <jnihiserj@gmail.com>
Geneseo, New York, USA
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