GOSPEL MESSAGE & RECORDING
Have you ever wondered as to why Christ came into Jerusalem triumphantly, riding on a donkey? If Christ was triumphant, why does He not choose a majestic horse and chariot to go into Jerusalem? Why did Christ choose an animal which was considered unclean according to the Law of Moses? Not only that, why did He choose a donkey which was not yet tamed to be that very instrument in which He enters into Jerusalem. Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem while riding on a donkey is a calling for each of us to join Him in His glorious victory. Not as one of those who shouted “Hosanna,” but rather, the calling is for us to become like that chosen donkey.
The donkey, who once never had a master, chose Christ to be his Master. However, a symbol of humility became the preferred medium for the Majestic Lord. Though unclean, it has become clean and not only clean but glorified along with Christ. This donkey has become an excellent example for us all as to how we are to become Christians. The lesson is that, through humility, we learn to let Christ become our Master while we follow His guidance. Yet, that step towards humility is so great because who wants to be Christ’s donkey? In other words, who wants to live a life in which Christ is the One Who steers us towards that victory and glorification? For that glorification is being hanged upon the Cross, and that victory is a death.
One of the hardest aspects of the Christian life is our willing subjection to God. As a matter of fact, in our lives, here on earth, there is no escape from slavery. We are either willingly or unwillingly made subject to sin or willingly made subject to God. Notice the difference; sin takes us whether we wish to follow it or not. But God honors our free choice and only accepts us as His slave if we choose to do so. In other words, if you do not choose God to be your Master, the One Who leads your life, then sin will take that place. This choice is done through our own free will, more specifically through an earnest prayer of “not my will be done, but may Thy Will be done.”
The donkey had a free choice in the matter; it was wild yet went against its nature. Its nature was to rebel, kick, and bray. Yet when Christ sat upon it, it was calm and silent and allowed itself to be directed by Him. So, what does this mean for us? We must take the lessons that we learned from this fast; this means that we learn to decrease our focus on these earthly things and instead focus on Christ. We must learn to break off our addictions, no matter what they are, and learn to make Christ the focus of our attention. For where your treasure is, there your heart is also. Make Christ your treasure, your guide, and your Master. Then, and only then are we able to follow after Him in this glorious procession, partake in His victory, and be glorified through His Grace.