Giving your all in worship
And as they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying the colt?” And they said, “The Lord has need of it.”
And they brought it to Jesus, and throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. (Luke 19:33-35)
Today we remember the exuberant event of Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem. His popularity had been growing in his last three years of public ministry, although in the small highly placed circles people were gnashing their teeth! An expectant nation now had an opportunity of received a ‘King’ after a long spell of oppressive rule under the Roman Empire and their predecessor powers. On one hand it looked serious, yet on the other hand it really looked like a joke – and ‘joke’ it was, for in less than a week, this ‘King’ was annihilated, killed and his movement silenced! Yet that was not the end of the drama; just a gloomy interval before the final scene – and that final one would be the ultimately victorious and most exciting, the reason we are still celebrating today!
Back to the focus passage of the Triumphal Entry (Luke 19:29-40), one repeated phrase demands our attention today: ‘The Lord has need of it’. This was Jesus’ prescribed answer in case a question arose as the envoys untied the colt; and this was the envoy’s answer when they were questioned by the owner as they took away the animal. The quick application is for you to consider what you have and start releasing it for a worthy cause – a development project at the Church, a compassionate outreach to those in need, an expression of worship and thanksgiving at the altar – a worshipful cause: ‘The Lord has need of it’. Of the colt, the Lord had explicit demand; but look at the other givers that voluntarily made their sacrifice…
And throwing their garments on the colt, they set Jesus upon it. And as he rode along, they spread their garments on the road (v.35-36). These actions prompt more reflection on our actions in worship. Yes, they rejoiced and sang and spoke out praise to the Master, but they gave most expressively. Recognizing in Jesus the ultimate Saviour, the King of kings and Lord of lords is not a mental exercise, nor does it just end in academic discourse or emotional praise and worship songs; the most valuable gift of animal or garment is deserving at this occasion; He may demand it explicitly for a purpose – ‘The Lord has need of it’ – give without holding back. Or even without the explicit demand, you are welcome to give your all in worship.
Those that ushered and received him into Jerusalem then still had a limited revelation of who He actually is. Today we have the fuller revelation of Jesus Christ, the Messiah, the Redeemer, the Prince of peace, the Saviour of the world. Our worship ought to be most heightened. Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!
God bless you all.