excerpt from "Ride On! Ride On in Majesty"
They wanted a leader that would give them a quick fix to their situation. He became the king that nobody wanted. His kingdom was not the kind that was going to overthrow the Romans and crush the rest of the world. He was healing the lame and the blind and others who were sick…but why should I follow him? I am not lame, or blind or sick? So I want nothing from him so why should I care what happens to him?
This is an easy way to think. We make the same mistake - for we too often say “What’s in it for me? What has Christ ever done for me?” Why should I follow him? You see our ideas haven’t really changed much at all from the thinking over 2000 years ago. We hesitate to follow for many of the same reasons that the people in Jerusalem didn’t care about following this king. The world today cries out for peace and for a leader. Here is the king – the Messiah – the anointed one of God. He comes to bring peace – peace between people, peace between us and God, peace between countries. He came to establish his rule over the hearts of all people… but he conquered in love… not with weapons of destruction. His weapons were truth and justice and love. His war was waged against hatred and greed, intolerance and selfishness… and there were only a few who wanted him and his rule.
It is so – especially so – even now. Even though he will share his victory with others – there are those (many) that still reject his rule. “I want no one to be king of my life – I will govern my own life.” Jesus Christ has shown us his qualities of leadership. His claims are true… and yet the world looks – and then turns away. Interested – but not quite interested enough – astonished by his words and his actions… but not captivated, not committed.
Perhaps they do not know who this is who comes riding on a colt – perhaps they do not recognize the king. Will you tell them? Do you now who this is that wants to enter your life? Are you willing to follow him? Wait – before you answer – look ahead five days from now. Look up the hill and see the cross. Now answer – are you willing to follow him? Do you want him as your king?
Pastor Lorah Houser Jankord 
March 28, 2010
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