HOSANNA

 

Hosanna was the theme song of the praise worship of Jesus' band. The welcome party that ushered him into Jerusalem sang his praise asking and praying him to save them. That is what hosanna literally means: "pray, save us". Much of Judaic Psalms and songs could be considered hosannas and even now in churches we still raise hosanna in varying forms whenever we adore, worship, praise and thank. However, the hosanna praise worship we read about here was chanted by an ignorant crowd. 

These people having seen the miracles performed by Jesus, perceived that he is the right man to deliver them from the hands of the Romans and restore the glory of Israel. Unfortunately, they were misinformed. Probably, their Sunday school teachers taught them wrongly and they couldn't understand that Jesus' actualization of salvation was going to be two fold. First, he was to come as a baby in a manger; ride on a donkey into Jerusalem as an humble servant ruler to save his people from their spiritual slavery to sin and Satan before He could actualize their freedom from political oppressors. Sadly, due to this misunderstanding, we see the crowd chanting Jesus' praise today and the next day would chant "crucify Him".

We are thankful for the knowledge we have today. Sometimes I do wonder if I would have done any better than the Israelites given the same opportunity and circumstances. Today,  we in the post resurrection era have their mistakes to look into and the teachings of  Jesus and the disciples to look up to. Jesus rode on a donkey into Jerusalem to willingly lay down his life as a ransom for many'. He wasn't threatened nor coerced. Out of his own free will he died in our place that we may not die but come into abundant life. And now, all who have come to this faith in him are to look forward to his glorious appearing as a judge and ruler. This is the next epoch. The next big thing in God's calendar. 

Bible hasn't given us a time frame because God is not limited by time. Rather, bible has given us a glimpse into the occurrences that will indicate the nearness of this event. We live in the last days, marked by perilous times and bizarre occurences. Day by day, it keeps getting worse. There is no end in sight. Every true believer must not explain these events away as the rest of the world do but should focus on what the truth is. Jesus is coming soon. As he triumphantly entered Jerusalem to complete the work of atonement so bible declared that he will step down on mount Olives once again to usher in the end of the present system of things.

Prayer: father we thank you for sending Jesus. His death and resurrection has placed us in a good place. Help that we may not be caught napping when he returns again in glory. Amen.