SCRIPTURE: Mark 11:8-10 ESV And many spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut from the fields. And those who went before and those who followed were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest!”
THOUGHT: For three years in the early 90s, Herman’s Head made a lot of people laugh at the voices that attempt to steer poor Herman through life, each jockeying for their favored outcome. I only got to see one episode, but it still sticks with me. Funny, sad, and a little too close for comfort. My own decision-making looked a lot like Herman’s back then, often polarizing as I failed to placate the voices in my own head, let alone the ones around me.
Ambivalence is really no way to live, corrupting what is right in favor of what is loudest – a travesty occurring with great frequency in our day, but obviously present from time immortal. On this day, Jesus enters Jerusalem for the last time, riding a humble donkey. The crowds go crazy, throwing coats in front of him to pave the way, waving palm branches, shouting blessing and glory and honor his way. But soon enough, the shouts turn angry, vengeful, merciless. The love affair with the Savior who won’t behave as expected is over.
Jesus has a crystal-clear mission, going to his Father for daily instructions, knowing the human heart and head are filled with competing, often unholy desires. John tells us, “Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all people. He did not need any testimony about mankind, for he knew what was in each person (Jn. 2:24-25 NIV).”
When it comes to fickle humanity, best be clear enough about your mission that you don’t get distracted by whatever the crowd is shouting.
PRAYER: Even as Jesus got his daily instructions from you, oh God, would you speak to me through your word and with your words. Fill my head and heart with truth that steers me through the cacophony and into your will.
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