Yesterday was Palm Sunday and if like me you have spent 50some years attending services that focus on the triumphal entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem, you may feel like you’ve heard that story from every angle.
Fortunately, I still have a lot to learn in God’s word. Our sermon yesterday by was entitled “Glad Hearts” and it contained a gem of knowledge that I haven’t considered before now. Below is a little personal paraphrase of the sermon, but if you would like to hear the actual sermon from Pastor Scott Dermer, you can find it here.
If you move forward in scripture from the donkey ride to the last supper, you’ll find in Matthew 26:30 the words “When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.” Such a little phrase, easily passed over. I guess I had always envisioned a boring little dirge, unknown and not worthy of any attention.
Although we don’t know the actual hymn, it would have been consistent with the traditions at Passover for the disciples to have sung The Great Hallel, from which we get the word hallelujah. It comes from Psalm 113-118. Part of the scripture would have been sung before the meal and part after. I invite you to read Psalm 118 and consider this; a man knowing he would face death soon, lifted his voice to sing and the last words of the song are “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.”
This isn’t a dirge, it’s an old-time shoutin’ praise song. How could he do that, sing in the midst of fear and sorrow?
I confess, sometimes it’s hard to understand. It is hard to describe this kind of joy. I’ve experienced it in my life. There have been days when grief seems to be overwhelming, but underneath there is a peace that cannot be explained. Consider this, Jesus could demonstrate the kind of joy that is soul-deep even in the darkest hours because of three things.
His relationship with God
His trust in God’s sovereignty.
His focus on loving others.
When I hold up his example as a mirror in front of my life, I must ask myself if I lack joy at times because I am not developing my relationship with God, or I lack trust in him, or I focus only on my own circumstances.
I hope for you during this Holy Week that even as we ponder the pain, suffering, and sacrifice of the Lord, we still have glad hearts filled with joy because we are growing in our relationship, trust, and service with him.
Special thanks to Pastor Scott for illuminating God’s word and continuing to give his flock new insights.
Thanks for reading,
Celeste