The last few weeks of the Story we have been studying a really difficult period of time for the Kingdom of Israel. Some kings would lead people closer to God (King Asa is one example), while many others led people away from God (like King Ahab).
This constant back and forth with fewer and fewer people following God caused God to send his messengers (the Prophets) to speak truth to the children of Israel. The prophets told the people to repent/turn back to God. However, that wasn’t enough to make the people change, and ultimately their lack of faith led to the Kingdom of Israel being overthrown.
While we have been going through this in the Story, it is really interesting that we are also preparing to celebrate Good Friday and Easter. We see the prophets sent to lead the people to turn back to God, as we prepared to celebrate Jesus coming to complete the mission – to give his life for all of us – redeeming us once and for all.
But, at any point he could have backed out. He didn’t have follow through with it, but he did. Jesus entered Jerusalem on what is now known as Palm Sunday and the crowds rejoiced:
Matthew 21:6-11 – “The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,
“Hosanna to the Son of David!”
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”
“Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?”
The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”
And the King has returned. He came into Jerusalem and days later would give his life for us. He has come to bring us back into a relationship with God and guide us through all of life.
What does Christ offer us that we can’t get anywhere else?
- Hope in an uncertain world. Romans 15:13 – “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”
- Unconditional love in a world filled with conditions. Psalm 136:2 – “Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever.”
- Someone to walk alongside life with us. Psalm 77:19-20 – “Your path led through the sea, your way through the mighty waters, though your footprints were not seen. You led your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.”
- Life to the full. John 10:10 – “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
The reality is that it is really hard to quantify all that Christ offers us on a daily basis, but as we prepare for Good Friday and Easter, take time to reflect on the goodness of King, doing as Matthew 7:7 says, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”
What do you think would be different in your life if you choose to Ask God for guidance, Seek Him, and Knock on His door daily? What would it look like to put your complete TRUST in the KING?
Thoughts? How have you seen God and Christ impact your life recently? Share below.