a colt that has never been ridden
!!!!!
Anyone who has ever tried this, will appreciate the physical strength, and gentleness of this Son of Man.
wd
wnc
Being an ancestor of David, what does this mean to the people of that time? Are they expecting the political king, vs. the suffering Messiah?
PH in OH
If you have the current issue of The Christian Century, check out Fred Craddock's review of this passage. He makes an interesting case for Jesus' entry into Jerusalem being a sort of protest march. Of course, I wouldn't do a sermon simply on that assertion, but it would make an interesting "hook" into a discussion on why he was crucified. MTSOfan
The words that jumped out at me in this familiar passage, words that I have somehow missed before, are in verse 11: "it was already late." There is the triumphant journey across the valley, with all its messianic imagery -- and yet, when Jesus actually arrives at the Temple, he looks around for a little while, and then heads back to Bethany because it is already late. Since they didn't have Daylight Savings Time back then, we could retell this story using the phrase, "it was already getting dark." Somewhere in there is a "hook" for a sermon that gets us from the Light of the World being celebrated on Palm Sunday, and how the world darkens by Good Friday, when the Light is snuffed out on the cross. OLAS
OLAS,
Reminds me of the Bob Dylan song, NOT DARK YET.
Chorus:
"It's not dark yet . . . but it's gettin' there."
dave k. in ohio
I've noticed that a lot of worship "experts" and "authorities" that I've been consulting in various books and Internet settings (UMeth Gen. Board of Discipleship web site for instance) seem to largely "dis" the Palm Sunday aspect of this day in favor of the Passion Sunday theme . . . I understand some of the reasoning behind this, but still wonder how best to go about it.
I'm considering something a message that will include the Palm reading from Mark and then maybe the shorter version of the Passion reading (Mark 15:1-39), and maybe then doing a message on "From Palms to Passion," to offer some proclamation on how the shifting winds in Jerusalem that week finally turned against Jesus. I dunno. :-)
Dave K. in Ohio
Just some early musings. For this Sunday I've chosen the more celebratory passage above rather than passion passages, which I did last year. For the past 3 weeks we have watched war being waged in Iraq, most of us have preached about the reality of war, its unprecedented preemptive military action, the fear of what this means for the UN, for the economy, for the people of Iraq and our soldiers.
Maybe it is time for a celebration of sorts, even in the wake of a war. We celebrate the reality that all of us carry our own crosses in order to discover the deeper truths of existence. We celebrate the model Jesus gave us, to walk with courage into Jerusalem, even if in humility on the back of an ass. To protest the powers, to celebrate with the common people, the whole of humanity, to enjoy a meal of bread and wine, to take this day and make it a day of joy and gladness, to be alive, even in the face of death. Today, this week, we need a little joy, a little hope, a little courage, to carry the energy needed to face the cross. BB in IL
Be careful..... Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a colt, but the US soldiers are riding into Baghdad on tanks right now. M in MA
Those in the parade did not understand Jesus' mission, that he was headed toward the cross. Calling him a son of David or King to them meant he was going to kick the Romans out and bring glory back to the Hebrew nation. What are our unrealistic expectations of Jesus today? As followers we are hoping for the easy way in life, no problems, no sickness, a smooth ride, yet Jesus promises suffering and a cross. PH in OH
Setting aside the religious leader’s threatened opposition to Jesus, why did the secular government cooperate?
Was Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion a preemptive strike on behalf of the Roman authorities?
Jesus then rides in on a donkey like a newly crowned king. (See Zech 9:9)
A large crowd gathers which always makes authorities nervous. Palm branches were also used to celebrate Hanukkah. (Maccabean revolt)
He also upsets things at the temple “The Feast of Hanukkah celebrates the cleansing of the Temple after its defilement by pagan cult objects under Antiochus IV (see 1 Macc 4:50-51; 2 Macc 2:12).459 No reader in Mark’s day would suppose that Jesus’ actions of themselves could restore purity to the sacred space.460 On the other hand, Mark’s readers know that the Temple area was taken over by zealot revolutionaries and then destroyed by the Romans (13:1-2)”NIB
Jesus is arrested because the Roman authorities didn’t want any hint of a Zealot uprising.
The Jerusalem homeland security office had issued an orange alert because of the increased foreign traffic in town for Passover. Jesus was a potential problem and had to go. Due to the powers granted it in response to possible terrorism there was no due process for Jesus or his disciples so he was quickly executed. Crucifixion was the ultimate in capital punishment deterrence against trouble makers/potential terrorists.
Steve Hermes
Cascade Mt.
Steve writes: "The Jerusalem homeland security office had issued an orange alert because of the increased foreign traffic in town for Passover."
THAT'S GOOD, STEVE!!!!!! :-)
What I would like to do is write a 1st person monologue from the point of view of someone justifying the crucifixion of Jesus
Any other ideas of language I could use that reflects our homeland security and war propaganda of recent months?
Steve Hermes
Cascade MT.
Friends:
This is just a cautionary note that you not try to allegorize this story into our modern world. I'm afraid that we may be tempted to abuse the scripture if we do so. Yes, there are connections to be made, but use caution. Be sure that what you preach is God's word to your congregation, not a clever political statement (maybe I'm the one that needs this caution--it isn't aimed at anyone in particular).
I do plan to preach on Palm Sunday rather than Passion. I've drifted back and forth with this through the years, but I find that our congregation still appreciates the celebratory tone of Palm Sunday: the familiar hymns, the involvement of the children, the greenery in the sanctuary. Those traditions can be used while acknowledging that Palm Sunday represents a shift in the story.
I like the Bob Dylan connection, Dave K. Do you know any more of the lyrics?
Pam in San Benardino
Pam in San Bernardino. Here are the Dylan lyrics:
Shadows are fallin' and I've been here all day
It's too hot to sleep and time is runnin' away
Feel like my soul has turned into steel
I've still got the scars that the sun didn't heal
There's not even room enough to be anywhere
It's not dark yet but it's gettin' there.
Well, my sense of humanity has gone down the drain
Behind every beautiful thing there's been some kind of pain
She wrote me a letter and she wrote it so kind
She put down in writin' what was in her mind
I just don't see why I should even care
It's not dark yet but it's gettin' there.
Well, I've been to London and I been to gay Paris
I've followed the river and I got to the sea
I've been down on the bottom of the world full of lies
I ain't lookin' for nothin' in anyone's eyes
Sometimes my burden is more than I can bear
It's not dark yet but it's gettin' there.
I was born here and I'll die here against my will
I know it looks like I'm movin' but I'm standin' still
Every nerve in my body is so naked and numb
I can't even remember what it was I came here to get away from
Don't even hear the murmur of a prayer
It's not dark yet but it's gettin' there.
Pastor Rick in Fl
Palm sunday does, indeed, represent a shift in the ministry of Christ, so why do we need to chose between the Palm story and the Passion story- I plan to begin the worship in a celebratory tone- the kids, the music, the palms and the Scripture, but it is 'getting late' so I will use that segue and shift into a dramamtic reading of the passion story. it is my fear that too many people go from Palm Sunday to Easter and never bother to walk to the cross. This is the procession into Jerusalen and the procession to the cross.
PB
Trying to show the difference between the ACTION of Jesus and the ATTITUDE of the crowd. 'Attitude' is cheap. Jesus asks for 'action'. Time we stepped out from the crowd and stepped into the road behind Jesus and say, 'Master, I am right behind you, I've left the crowd and I'm not just approving, I want to change the world too. Let me take some of the action and I will try not to turn away when I feel the cross on my back.' JESUS OF NAZARETH IS PASSING BY
PH in OH, I like that hollow chocolate image...
Regarding the debate between Palm vs Passion. I think if people want to experience the passion, they should come to the Maundy Thursday and Good Friday Services...
I also agree that the WAR is very depressing... the imagery of CNN of the boy with no arms because of one of our missiles gone astray. Gives new meaning to "they have no hands but our hands"... in a very sad situation.
A friend is using the image of how the crowds usually choose wrong... historically, biblically... we are called to step out of the crowd and walk what is sometimes a lonely path of faithfulness.
I'll read on...
OK, sorry, a modern illustration I know, but I can't resist...Regarding the borrowing of a colt, was that a common thing to do? "The Lord needs it!" "WHAT? Tell the bumm to get his own donkey!" Would that work with my neighbors? I've been thinking about borrowing their mower to mow my lawn with my dead mower that died the last pass of the fall?
pulpitt in ND
My theme for this holy week is the face of Christ. I wonder how Jesus perceived the crowds did he put on a brave face hiding what he was really feeling. If the people were shouting Hosannah was Jesus Ok with their jubilant mood? What is it like when we know others won't really understand/ What is it like to have everyone onside? Is that the time to ask whether you and they are being faithful to God? Mark Link has an excellent story in "These stones will shout" about the child coopted into an Easter play. "Just shout what the leaders are shouting." he was told. The first scene it was "hoorahs" the second it was "crucify". The recalling of the emotional impact on the child is very powerful.
God bless you in surprising your congregations with grace in this season. Petereo.
I'm glad I'm not the only Dylan fan here! :-)
That song, "Not Dark Yet," does have a relevance. I'm not planning to use it myself, but it expresses some of the world-weariness and despair (and darkness) that the crucifixion testifies to.
As in this phrase: "My sense of humanity has gone down the drain. Behind every beautiful thing there's been some kind of pain."
Dave K. in Ohio <><
I'm playing with a sermon idea about the motivation for parades. The heart of most is an assertion that 'we're #1', gospel lection parade included. The parade organizers were, however, misinformed about the grand marhall's motives, namely those of Isaiah's suffering servant. So, what to do when coats are reclaimed from the road, the crowd goes home and the true motives of Jesus begin to emerge? In the afterglow/aftermath, does one regret the parade, forget it, reconsider it, or have a little epiphany because of it. Any thoughts? Joe in Zion
Joe in Zion -
Couple of years ago I started out my sermon asking how America might have handled the Triumphant Entry today and had someone come in selling "souvenirs" just like they do in city parades. He had a tray hung around his neck, and all sorts of "Jesus" stuff - t-shirts, bumper stickers, pennants, etc. I even had another member stand up and ask to buy something. Then he left and I continued - a sermon on how we get caught up in the hype of Christianity, but when this or that event (big worship service, Christian concert, etc.) is over, we go back to our every day lives, which may or may not reflect our faith.
Anyway...I had one member get pretty offended by my souvenir salesman and let me know a few days later. When I shared her response with someone else later, they commented, "Interesting how she missed the whole point."
I share this with my friends here at DBPS as a reminder of some wise words from a good friend - we always need to be careful that our methods don't overshadow our message, so that our listeners are unable to let go of the offense. It's always a fine line for someone like me, who has gained a reputation for props and unorthodox sermons, but it was a good reminder.
Blessings to each of you as you head into the coming week!
DD in CA
What kind of procession is it when Jesus goes back to where he started?
When Jesus first enters Jerusalem from the Mt. of Olives as its coming king, nothing really happens. That was a great deal of build-up for nothing. You would think the temple leaders would have something to say or that he at least would perform a miracle worth remembering. After all, according to Mark this is his first appearance in the Temple. shouldn't something happen?
No, instead he looks around and goes back to Bethany and the Mt. of Olives. I suppose he had to return the colt before midnight so he wouldn't be charged a late fee.
By contrast, in his last procession from the Mt. of Olives to the Temple, he enters Jerusalem as a prisoner under the cover of darkness. This time, however, something worth remembering does happen.
In this light, Palm Sunday appears to be merely a segue to more significant events in the Passion. So, what is the point?
(It could be a way for Jesus to fulfill more OT Scripture passages, but my audience doesn't really care about that.)
DSS
I'm thinking about the sermon title "Kids' Stuff".
The reason is the church treats Palm Sunday like kids' stuff. The most familiar Palm Sunday hymns (to me anyway) are "Hosanna, Loud Hosanna" and "All Glory, Laud, and Honor". Both of these seem to emphasize the "nice" things about Palm Sunday and associate it with children.
The "grown up stuff", the tragic stuff followed later in the week when the children are out of the way. How easy it is to gloss over the tragedy of Holy Thursday and Good Friday by emphasizing the triumphal entry to Jerusalem and the resurrection. The reality is that there cannot be triumph without tragedy.
I don't mean to be negative, but this just seems to be the way it is.
Creature Wayne
Thanks for the great images folks: Riding in with courage and humility; hollow vs. solid - are we talking chocolate bunnies or faith? REV JAW
Did anyone else notice the palms being waved as the American troops entered Bagdad yesterday? I haven't fully processed it. But I saw palms in the hands of the men waving and it struck me. Not that I think our troops our Jesus, but in a way they too came to save. (what ever opinion on the war you have, this is the "political" postion, that of saving them. ) what crosses your minds... Nancy-Wi
PH in OH This is an excellent question.
"What are our unrealistic expectations of Jesus today? As
followers we are hoping for the easy way in life, no problems, no sickness, a smooth ride, yet Jesus
promises suffering and a cross." I beleive that many come to Jesus expecting just this. The smooth ride is about peace in your heart and soul knowing that your will is closely tuned with God. Blessing are wonderful, and I do believe God does bless us, but this is the human earth where the will of one affects and effects another's situtation. Nancy-Wi
Sorry for the multiple postings, but my mind seems to be working in spurts!
To add to the passion / palm discussion.
Worship starts with our dancers dancing to the choir singing # 279 afte the two verses with the organ playing the music I read the scripture, then when done the choir picks up the chorus the kids waving palms and sing a song called "Jesus is Riding" The rest of the service tells the story through song and scripture and ends with Jesus telling the disciples to prepare the room. The bulletin says depart in silence and the words "to be continued" with the dates and times for Maundy thurs and Good Friday. during the final anthem before the final scripture the lights are dimmed and the candles except the Christ Candles are extinquished. Nancy-Wi
I am looking for something of a scripted dialogue sermon (for two people) for Palm Sunday. Is there anything like that out there?
mo in mt
Eric in KS, congratulations!! Blessings on your new position. Isn't it great to be out of the special hell of waiting to know what's going to happen to your life??
I'm currently sitting in just that limbo in the UMC process. The process is nerve wracking anyway, but we have some complicating factors--not the least of which is that my husband is a pastor in another denomination and it is very likely that we may end up living apart by some distance. I would treasure the prayers of all you faithful DPSers--sometimes the whole thing just seems overwhelming. I'm just so grateful for all your work on this site. The last couple of weeks, I wouldn't have had a sermon without leaning heavily on your many wonderful insights. Thanks to all!!
The other LP in CO
I am playing with the parade theme a bit. But more from the perspective of the preparations. We tend to ascribe miracle status to the location and availability of the colt. What if it was The Jesus Parade Advance committee preparing for the event weeks ahead of time, relaying their preparations to Jesus and he relayed them to His disciples? (vs. 2-4) Then there are those along the way prompted to be prepared to lay down their cloaks. And some had enough advance notice to go out into the fields and cut branches for the occassion. Would they really have had them with them without advance notice? (v. 8)
As the parade processes the band plays ahead with the Hosanna Chorus.
What a let down it must have been when he gets to the temple, not much is happening as he looks around, and he heads out of town, dejected (?), for Bethany where his friends appreciate him. It might just be the opening of the sermon, though the direction of it still isn't clear to me. I like the Christian Hype question someone else raised.
On the war thing...I agree and try not to make any parallels between it and Christianity. But I could not help noticing what happened in Kirkuk yesterday. The US military was in Baghdad and tore down the statue of Saddam previously. Then, without the presence of the US army the citizens in an unconquered town did the same. Could we use the idea of one parade in a distant town being the nexus of the spreading of good news to another town, even without the presence of the saving force? I very likely won't go there at all, and the tanks vs. colts comment is well founded and worthy of serious note. Yet it is intriguing to see how human nature informs our understanding of Biblical events.
God Bless your Holy Week,
Rev. Israel
Pam - in response to your caution against allegorizing: sounds like something I would say, and I also would be saying it to myself. So let me argue with both of us for a minute:
How far out would it be to say that Jesus shows us how to march into a country to take it over? He familiarizes himself with the traditions and stories of the people, lives among them learning their concerns, comes undefended, in gentleness (like the people maching into the salt mines in the movie Ghandi).
Of course he dies, which is why we wouldn't want to follow this pattern of invasion and conquering - dying is not part of what we want out of the process.
I've been having a sort of paralysis as to whether to preach my convictions about war, or to continue to speak in a way that this congregation will be willing to keep on listening to me. Where I always come up short is where I ask myself what else we could do if we feel compelled to address the tyranical forces of the world. I think Jesus gives us a pretty good pattern.
I could use some warnings and arguments from the dps bunch here.
To the other LP: I sympathize. My husband was told Wednesday that the elementary school could go on paying two special ed teachers, not three - and he was (being the spouse of an itinerant UMC pastor) the most recently hired. We're looking at, at best, a commute (the school where he's taught for two years is ten minutes away), at worst, him living across the state and coming back on weekends. And this all happens just as the UMC moves are announced, so it's too late for me to move this year.
Congrats, Eric almost in OH
As I've thought about the events of the past couple of days, some compelling images have come up in my mind... striking comparisons that link the past to the present day. The comparisons are as follows: Jesus rode into Jerusalem - The Coalition forces rode into Baghdad; Jesus rode on a donkey while the people waved palm branches - Coalition forces rode into Baghdad on tanks while people waved palms; Jesus went to the temple and (a day later) threw out the money changers... The Iraqi people gathered in the center of Baghdad and tore down Saddam's statue.
These are just thoughts that have come to me. I am still working with them. Of course the image shifts significantly when you consider that Jesus was killed a short time later, and I don't think the Coalition forces will fall. And yet, it was interesting to me that the Washington Times published an article today that was healined, "News Anchors Glum Amid Iraqi Jubilation." And in that article it noted the continued criticism certain media personalities levied in the face of Iraqi libertation.
Jerry in C.S.
I'm calling my sermon "Faith on Parade" and want to talk about how we mainline Protestant Christians tend to be reluctant to speak up in public about faith. We want to keep faith within the confines of the church walls, not bring it out in public (like those who paraded on Palm Sunday). Maybe that's because we are afraid of offending others. Or we are embarrassed to be put in the same category as those outspoken conservative Christians. So we keep silent. And let the other Christians speak up and represent all of Christianity to the public.
It's not as though the crowds on Palm Sunday understood it all. They probably had no idea what was coming for Jesus. Just as the Iraqis who have come parading out in jubilation may be elated with their freedom, but not prepared or equipped to deal with the looting and threatening anarchy.
But even if we don't understand it all, we can still join the parade, and proclaim Jesus, as much as we understand. This is not just individual evangelism, but finding ways as a church to be out there in public, being accessible to people who might not consider walking through our doors. Have a real parade on Palm Sunday (outside!). Or coffee hour outdoors. Or a block party to get to know our neighbors, and actually talk with them.
Still praying for peace. DGinNYC
Eric in KS; soon to be Ohio: Congratulations! As long as I have know the power of prayer, it's still nice to see it answered so clearly. Shalom.Pastor Rick in FL
Dear Steve Hermes Cascade Mt.
I see what you are trying to do with the Palm Sunday passage in order to relate it to what we are going through in the world today. BUT I suggest you NOT make allusions that Jesus was in any way a terrorist!!
terrorism : the systematic use of terror especially as a means of coercion.
Jesus did not use terror or fear to do his Fathers will. He was not a suicide bomber that lied or coerced his way into the Temple to take out the Sanhedrin or the Romans.
Please rethink your approach or you may be sorry later. KB in ks
The following is a link that will take you to an article by former SD Senator George McGovern regarding the War in Iraq... enjoyo(?)
I think it's worth the read as he has a unique perspective unheard in our world today...
http://www.thenation.com/doc.mhtml?i=20030421&s=mcgovern
pulpitt in ND
I've noticed, as have others, the apparent connection between the US servicemen rolling into Baghdad and the Triumphal Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem.... mmmm
If we learn anything from the similarities and connections, it ought to be this -- that Jesus' entry was followed by crucifixion.
The fine line between adulation and crucifixion is easily crossed. The US and it's coalition allies need to remember that. The crowds that are cheering today could be shooting at our servicemen and -women tomorrow! In fact, I wonder how long it will be before the Iraqis become disenchanted with their liberators -- I hope they don't, but given human nature, I suspect they will and I do wonder how long it will take.
Blessings, Eric in KS (for the time being)
I have no idea where I'm going yet on this passage, but it's been interesting for me to note that in all three of the synoptics, the "cleansing of the temple" follows this parade immediately, and that Matthew and Mark also include the cursing of the fig tree. What makes Jesus so angry? What do we do with Jesus' anger? I'm stretching the text in Mark to include the stories on the tail end, that, after the late arrival - the mood switches for the next day. What's up with that???
Kerra in TN
I don't know how many read this site late on a Friday a.m., but just want to respond that we ARE having a Palm Sunday parade, complete with donkey, palms, and balloons. We invited the other churches in town -- who knows how many will turn out? But whether few or many, it should be fun, and public! The police were super about closing the street for us. This started out as just a crazy suggestion and we laughed. Two years later, we're finally actually giving it a try.
With the war and all, it seems good to have a celebration, a public affirmation that war is not the last word.
JKS
To: wd wnc
Thanks for your comment that started the page about riding the "unridden colt." It inspired a whole sermon now posted on the DPS site for this passage. Thanks a million!!!
Kerra in TN
I agree with PB regarding Palm to Passion. This is my third year in the congregation and I am painfully aware of how few come to Maundy Thursday or Good Friday services. I plan on using this service to at least provide some thought of what is to come. We will start with Palm procession and Palm Sunday anthem. As we move through the service the music will become more somber, ending with O Sacred Head Now Wounded. In place of a benediction, the service will end with me reading the beginning of the Passion story and an a cappello verse of "O Come And Mourn." I hope some are at least moved to think of the events of the coming week. LH in NJ
Earlier this week, someone had requested a Palm Sunday dialogue for two people. I found some interesting material on a United Church website that includes dialogues, dramas, poetry, etc. for the entire Easter season. Thought I would share. The website is www.rockies.net/~spirit/sermons/easter.html. My prayers are with you all for a blessed Holy Week.
Heather in Baxter
Can anyone help me? A year or so ago, someone shared a parody on Dr. Hook's song, "The Cover of the Rolling Stone." It had an Easter theme. Does anyone have those words? Thanks.
Watching the crowds in Iraq I couldn't help but think of the crowds around Jesus. Kind of a mob tearing branches from trees, pulling off their tunics, Shouting and screaming Hosannah!!!!!(save us now) How quickly can the mood of a mob change.
One reporter said that within a three block area they went from cheers to trying to get at them and then being shot at. How quickly the mob changed in the last week of Jesus life from Hosannah to crucify
Him. My grand son is over there and I saw him on Fox News the other night he was on a humbie holding the american flag as they rode through Bagdad. A few days before he was in a small village and ate with the villigers. The article I read said he made baloons out of the surgical gloves and gave them to the children.
Lots of Gods Grace to all
Harold in Alabama
Some were trying to relate to Iraq today, what if you tie it back to the rerurn of the troops 11 years ago. The reactions of the Crowd's to our reserver Military people was wild, they rond in on the back of trucks. And perhaps they were thinking yes, that is why we did it - for all the folks that they don't even know. For the people that did not earn this peace that they risked their lives for...
Just my direction
tbowen North GA
"Star Search"
Most people are searching for a deliverer who will take them where they want to go. Unfortunately the cult of personality can blind one to the abuses of those they follow. Might not that have been the case when Sadaam was supported by the U.S. and some of the Iraqi population. Might not that be the case for some Iraqi's that are welcoming the "coalition" under Bush and Blair. Might that not have been the case for those who followed Jesus towards Jerusalem. At least those who followed Jesus to the end received the prize. Can the same be said in the other examples. The question is not where the parade begins. It is where it ends!!!
PDB
A friend asked about comparing and contrasting Jerusalem 33 a.d. with Baghdad 2003 a.d. -- this is how I replied:
What keeps going through my mind -- were I going to preach this and do the compare/contrast thing vis. Baghdad -- is something I read somewhere once upon a time about kings riding into Jerusalem on donkeys.
Of course all my books are in complete disarray, as are my sermon notebooks, so I can't find the source for this ...
But what I recall is this -- the ride into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey is an act of humility. What I recall reading is that the ancient kings would come to the city in all their splendor, riding their chariots and so forth, but outside the city would get down from their spendid mounts, take off their glorious robes, and mount a donkey to ride into Jerusalem in acknowledgment that there only God was king.
Thus, while we refer to this as a "Triumphal Entry" it was really a humble entry.
It was also a highly and disturbingly political act ... albeit the act of a humble king, it is nonetheless the act of a king! Talk about sending a message to the Romans and the Temple authorities!
On the contrast between then and now, between pride and humility -- I have this wonderful illusration from a Charles Simpson sermon:
"I recently read an interview with a former citizen of Germany, who as a young boy, saw the terrible horrors of World War II. Later, the boy left Germany and became a citizen of the United States. He was asked by the journalist, 'Are you proud to be an American?' He said, 'No, that was Germany’s problem; they were proud to be Germans.' He continued, 'I am grateful to be an American.' Grateful is good. It speaks of humility and the fact that someone knows that what he or she has is a gift. But pride thinks of one's blessings only as achievements, and that is what leads to a fall."
As much as I love my country and support the servicemen and -women who protect and serve it (my nephew is in Iraq; my best friend is serving with the UN peacekeepers in Bosnia), the attitudes of our leaders in this conflict trouble me.
I am sick and tired of the "proud to be an American" hubris of this administration and the Iraq war "centcom" briefings, a prideful arrogance that puts young lives (of any country) in harms way -- I'm reminded of McGoverns comment about wars planned and started by old men in which young men die. I am disturbed by an American serviceman, allegedly in Iraq to return Iraq to its people, putting an American flag across the face of a Saddam statue -- as a lawyer I had to always remember that it was the appearance of wrongdoing one had to avoid even if it did not rise to the level of actual wrongdoing; it was an innocent act, I'm sure, but it had the appearance of colonialism and I'm sure that was the message received by Arabs. I am disturbed by the arrogance of the "coalition" putting into place an Iraqi government of its chosing and creation -- again, the appearance of colonialism.
These are the acts of prideful, arrogant conquerors, not of humble liberators. And that is the difference between the entry into Baghdad in tanks, personnel carriers, and speeding humvees, and the entry into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey.
I'll bet both lead to crucifixion -- I'm sure the fine line between adulation and crucifixion will soon be crossed by the Iraqi people
and I want my nephew and all our troops out of there before it happens, though I doubt that Bush/Blair and "centcom" will not pull them out.
Both entries are likely to lead to crucifixion, but only one leads to resurrection!
Blessings, Eric in KS
Eric in KS: soon to be Medina, Ohio: Congratulations! Although I haven't yet participated in the discussions, I've followed them and your situation. I've been called to a church in Ohio, also, probably not far from you, following a challenging pastorate of many valleys. The Lord is very faithful. My official start date here was April 1st. Thanks be to God, in Christ, through the power of the Holy Spirit for second, third, fourth, and many, many more chances. Thank God for magnificent grace! In Christ, CL in Ohio
I'm using the parade passage and then skipping ahead to the crowd scene w/ the Barabas/Jesus choice. It struck me this week watching the "victory" in Bagdad w/ crowds of Iraquis yelling "down Saddam, yeah Bush"... that just a few weeks/months ago probably many of the same folks were yelling "Yeah Saddam, down Bush." See any gospel parallels? We human beings are fickle. I've entitled my sermon "Everybody loves a parade.... any parade!" Throughout this "war" journey of the past several weeks/months, I've found it difficult to discern what the Christian stance, rather "my" Christian stance should be. The closest I have come goes back to that OT question in battle: "Whose side are you on?" And the unexpected answer is "I'm on the Lord's side." I'm not sure yet what my point will be ... but probably along the lines of Jesus never was one much for crowds. Those who stayed through his whole ordeal weren't even counted in crowd statistics. Heading into Holy week: Pamela in Eugene
Congratulations, Eric. I'm very happy for you and your family.
I know this is late in the week but a few years ago, I wrote a responsive reading for use on Palm Sunday that looked at the week to come like a newscast. It may put things in modern terms but I tried not to change the passion to a modern setting. Maybe someone can use an idea from it.
Mike from Soddy Daisy
Leader: On Sunday, a known trouble make and his gang rode into town,inciting pandemonium and near riot in the streets.
People: The religious leaders confronted him and demanded that he order his mob to behave themselves.
L: On Tuesday, a gang member had a change of heart and offered to turn states' evidence and lead authorities to the ringleader.
P: His evidence consisted of a tale of sedition against the existing government; a ringleader who would be king.
L: On Thursday, acting on a tip from the former gang member, local officials captured the ringleader in a daring midnight raid.
P: It was apparent that the raid was anticipated but authorities carried it through with a miraculous lack of casualties.
L: At the trial, prosecution presented multiple witnesses against the accused who offered no defense.
P: The jury returned its verdict almost immediately.
L: Out of fear for civil unrest, the authorities ordered immediate execution of the sentence.
P: The mob, gathering outside, disillusioned and bitter because the accused had let them down, were calling for the blood of the man whom they had sung the praises of only a few days before.
L: The crowds singing "Hosannas" on Sunday were the same people crying "Crucify" on Friday, just regular people.
P: There were no horns and no halos in sight that week. The Pharisees, the Romans, and the disciples were just not demons or angels.
All: They were all just people. They were all normal people like me. It could have been me.
Mike from Soddy Daisy
Eric et al: Check this out for American war/religion mentality... it's from Faith and Values.com: American soldiers who haven't been able to bathe in months can take a dip in a 500- gallon tub, courtesy of U.S. Army Chaplain Josh Llano. But there's an unusual entry fee: "It's simple," Llano told a reporter for the Miami Herald last week. "They want water. I have it, as long as they agree to get baptized." Before the soldiers can wash off some of the filth of desert warfare, they also have to sit through Llano's 90-minute sermon. ---- Pamela in Eugene
Pamela in Eugene,
I love this site... you can scan through until you find a note that jars a thought... it's always late when I come on here. It's the way I work. Still, Pamela your words remind me of what I WANT TO SAY..
Jesus was NOT much of one for crowds, Jesus was forever leaving the "crowds and finding a quiet place to be alone and gather his thoughts."
Everyone loves a parade... but Jesus, and he certainly didn't love THIS parade...
Here's a story about a makeshift parade I shared with my congregation once.... enjoy it... ;?)
Psalm 126
I love a parade?
Look, there, on the horizon! Don't you see it? It's beginning again, that parade of folks through our doors. Just a few have been trickling back from the "summer break". It has already begun downstairs as three groups now occupy our church basement during the week. The Star Bright Preschool, the Before and After School Children from Washington Elementary School, and now one kindergarten class from Washington School as well. The parade continues this coming weekend. A parade of folks. Some old, the builders of our church or churches like it, some young, persons with new ideas put to that old, old story that we've loved so long. So familiar, so predictable, so peaceful. Some in between, not sure who they are or where they're headed.
My family and I were driving through Pick City earlier this summer. We had just reunited as a family, had been to a store to pick up some candy, something like 5 lbs. of mixed candy bars. We munched as we drove through the countryside's of North Dakota. We came through Pick City and discovered an interesting site. No one was in the street, still, it looked like a parade had either just happened or was about to commence. For there were people lined up along the curb on both sides of the street. It seemed like they were waiting for someone, something to happen. They waited patiently at first, then more anxiously. I watched one little boy. His short chubby calves were cinched up under his knees as he waited on the curb. Head on his hands, elbows on his knees, he swayed in wild anticipation for who knows what. His tennis shoes tapped eagerly to the sound of an imaginary band playing "I love a parade"!
It was like the parade was meant for us, we waved shyly at the community that gathered as our green van rumbled through the empty street between the crowds. "Toss them some of that candy!" I exclaimed to Becky who was already digging down between the seats to find the almost forgotten bag. "Toss them some candy!" I repeated. "I'm trying to find it!" she said, her head down searching for the bag. By the time she found it we were well through town and on our way out. "Shall we go back?" I asked. "Sure!" she said. "What are you guys doing?" moaned our children. "How embarrassing!"
Sure enough, about a 1/4 of a mile down the road, we turned our van around and came through town once more. This time, we had all the windows down and all they could see were hands full of candy bouncing on the pavement like raindrops, or hail stones. The excitement grew as the children and a few adults came out into the street to collect the goodies. Our van disappeared into the country with our bumper sticker "Grace Happens" announcing the abundance of God's grace that touched all our hearts with cheer that day.
Have you ever done anything so spontaneous, have you ever felt the joy of giving? If not, why not challenge yourself to trying it in church. Maybe it will mean coming to church, providing rides to those who need one, (I know of at least two persons at Edgewood Vista who would love to come to the 11 AM worship if they had a ride.), joining the choir, committing to the Disciple Bible Study class, or helping to usher or greet, or videotape our 11 am worship. It won't just help our church be a stronger church, which it will. It will also gift you with a feeling of being part of the parade of love that is the Spirit of Christ in our midst today.
Tossing candy to the crowd, looking down the road with you
pulpitt in ND
