Sunday, April 5, 2009

Holy Week Part I: Applause


Note: Of all holy days/holidays, Easter moves my heart more than any other. At Easter, we mark the most selfless act of Love in the history of mankind. Join me this week as we mark these days of unfathomable truth and mercy.

Palm Sunday. Something big was happening among the Jews. Rhetoric surrounding the carpenter-come-rabbi was escalating. The signs and wonders had become bolder, even to the point, some said, of power over the grave. This had to be it. The long-awaited Messiah, the King of the Jews. The time was ripe. He was going to set His people free once again, just like in the days of Moses.

They filled the streets to celebrate their imminent liberation. How they must have scrambled and clamored to see Him! Here was the one who would soon set them free. The crowd was on its feet. Excitement was at a fever-pitch. This was it!

How sad Jesus must have felt to know this very crowd would soon be demanding his execution. Fame is fleeting. The applause of men comes and goes on the slightest gust of wind. How did Jesus ride through this adoring procession knowing what lay just a few days ahead? Simple - His power and peace did not come from the admiration of men. They came from the certain knowledge He was fulfilling God's will for His life.

I am reminded to take the applause of men lightly, to consider man's natural duplicity of heart. To focus on the only One who can give me lasting worth and purpose. To set my face like flint toward the destiny God has crafted for me. Applause is nice, but it cannot rule our steps. Jesus' experience with the crowd's adoration can teach us much for life today.

May you feel His grace today,
Gail W.
Photo Credit

The last Word:
Do not store up for yourselves treasure [acclaim] on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and theives break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasure [acclaim] in heaven where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.
Matthew 6: 19, 20, NIV.

8 comments:

Paula said...

Thank you Gail. It is so easy to give mind to what man says over God. These words - "I am reminded to take the applause of men lightly, to consider man's natural duplicity of heart." - are inspirational, especially where you say to "consider man's natural duplicity of heart". How true that we forget that; we get caught up in the buzz that this worldly existence provides all too willingly and more often than not given with the wrong intention behind them. Thank you again, Paula xo

Marsha said...

Your words are resonating in my mind... to take the applause of men lightly. We just can't handle it, can we! It goes right to our heads. All the praise goes to Him. Anything good I do is Him, not me.
I'm with you, Gail about this being the favorite holy season. The focus on His death, burial, resurrection - the ultimate love story - the redemption of vial mankind by our compassionate, merciful and just God. AMEN! Hallelujah, what a Savior!

Sita said...

In my own life, I have seen that eventually the applause of men really means nothing in the sense of 'satisfaction'...only He satisfies...hence He is what I must pursue...
thanks for the reminder..

Crown of Beauty said...

Hi Gail,
First of all, I'm glad you're back. I have missed your posts.

Then, this one. How true, And like you, Holy Week moves my heart the most, of all the Christian celebrations. Palm Sunday did speak to my heart this year in the same way you describe. I have to constantly deal with the praise of men, not seek it, not work for it. It is fickle and shallow! Your post says it all, Gail. Take the applause of men lightly,,, consider man's natural duplicity... focus on the Only One who can give me lasting worth and purpose. How true how true. Applause is nice, but it cannot rule our steps! What better way to say it?

Thank you, Gail. And the way you added "acclaim" after treasure in the verse you quoted catches my heart. I never looked at acclaim as a treasure I could lay up! All those plaques, and awards, and degrees, and human accomplishments that men live and die for!

Laura said...

Hi, Gail!

I'm with you on the sweetness of this Holy week. This time of year always stirs such deep feelings of gratitude.

I'm glad you're finding a little time to blog. I know how hard it is to set aside that time sometimes. Praying your professional life remains a blessing!

Denise said...

Bless you for this wonderful post my friend, love you.

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

The applause of me...

definitely fleeting. Even when it stays for a season, it rarely feels like I think it's going to feel. It usually leaves me wanting for more, never quite filling the gap in me that cries out for validation.

Jesus knew better. How I pray that I follow his lead in the matter.

Have a blessed week of pilgrimage, my friend. It's so good to hear from you again.

peace~elaine

Corner Gardener Sue said...

Hi Gail,
I have gotten behind in my blog reading, too. I'm glad I found close to where I left off last time. I like this series you did on Jesus' last week before his death and resurrection.

Yes, his power and strength, and ours come from God, and fulfilling his purpose for us in our lives.