Last year,
while writing poetic sermons from the Gospel of Luke, I wrote two poems called, “East of Jerusalem” and “The Lord Has Need of It” in reference to Jesus’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem from the Mount of Olivet. I have to say, they were really good. I invite you to read them on my blog called “Breaking Strongholds.” I wrote them in September of 2020 when the world was spinning out of control. This morning, I am focusing on the same event - not from Luke perspective, but from the way Matthew explains it. The scripture says, “As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.” This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: “Say to Daughter Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’ ” 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.” Matthew 21:1-11 So, this year in 2021, the Lord is showing me the significance of the donkey, the colt, and the white horse. Donkeys portray symbols of service, and symbols of suffering, humility and peace. They are also associated with the theme of wisdom, such as the story of Balaam's ass in Chapter 22 in the Book of Numbers. Donkeys are sturdy, very sure-footed, they are often used to carry people down the steep edge of a canyon, because people, on their own, are more likely to fall. Over 500 years before the birth of Jesus Christ, “In the eighth month of the second year of Darius, the word of the Lord came to the prophet Zechariah son of Berekiah, the son of Iddo:” Zechariah 1:1 And Zechariah said, “Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” Zechariah 9:9 Let us never forget - The Word of the Lord existed from the beginning of time! The Word of the Lord creates all things and sets the thoughts of God into motion. Donkeys are known as domesticated horses, and are usually used to get important work done. The donkey is often great service to the plowman, while he is sowing seed and tending to his field. In addition, donkeys are typically associated with common men, and the goal is always to operate in peace while living and working in the same space. On the other hand, horses are warriors! They are typically the animals used to transport men long distances, to engage in war and bloodshed, and controlled by militaries and kings. So now it makes total sense to me, why Jesus would request a donkey and a colt. The donkey must have been used to help Him get over Mount Olivet, and the colt must have been the animal he rode in on while entering East Jerusalem. I mean, why else would Jesus need a donkey and a colt? He certainly would not be riding in, straddling both! And let us not forget how John saw Jesus coming back - “I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God.” Revelation 19:11-13 I have a Word for anyone reading this. PREPARE - for the Lord is Coming Back!
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