Ignition!! God's Yes is bigger than their No!

Ignition – let’s get it started

It was around this time last year that I was in Israel. I remember standing on the edge of a Jewish graveyard surrounded by the sound of singing from thousands of individuals who pilgrimaged there for Holy week and Easter.

There was zero concern for social distancing or even social media – this moment was about one thing – celebrating Jesus.

But I also remember having hesitancy about traveling to Israel. I didn’t know what to expect and I wasn’t sure how the trip would affect me. However, there are certain journeys we must take to live the life we were meant to have.

Each of the 4 synoptic Gospels gives a rendition of The Triumphal entry, or Jesus’ grand return to Jerusalem before His journey to the cross.

Let’s walk through what happened on Palm Sunday in Luke 19:29-44.

As Jesus and his disciples are drawing near the Mount of Olives – Jesus runs ahead of his disciples. This is a cool point because Jesus knows that His end is coming and He takes the lead with his actions. There is a bounty on His head and instead of sneaking in the back door – He plans a jubilant entry that kicks open the front door.

He has been to Jerusalem many times before – but this time it was different.

Jesus tells two of his disciples to go into the village and untie a particular Colt or a Young Donkey that had never been ridden. If they are questioned about the Colt, the disciples are told to say, “The Lord needs it.”

I have one point today.

1.     Sent doesn’t mean simple

I often say that there isn’t an easy way to do something difficult – but when it is your purpose – God will give provision (resources) – and you must get it done.

Jesus knew He had to enter the city and He knew, based on prophecy, how it had to be done.

“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem!
Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, Lowly and riding on a donkey, A colt, the foal of a donkey. (Zech 9:9)

I know God has a plan for our city, our nation, our world and specifically for you. He has given us instructions on what must be done for the miraculous to take place. Our solutions won’t solve themselves – like a bookshelf purchased from ikea – just because you own it doesn’t mean you fully fixed the problem – the shelf has to be built.

Notice how Jesus sent 2 disciples. Jesus works in pairs. God said it isn’t good that man should be alone – He gave Eve to Adam, He gave Aaron to Moses, and He gave Naomi to Ruth.

Jesus will send you support for you next steps.

Jesus also tells them to grab a colt that has never been ridden. You have access to something new and different that will bring in a necessary change.

The disciples know that there is a colt – they know where it is located – and they know what to say if they are questioned.

Scripture says we must be hearers and doers of God’s word. We have to listen to all of the instructions to get it done correctly. I think it is interesting that Jesus gives the disciples a response for when they are questioned.

Just because you have a God idea and you are doing everything right that doesn’t dismiss you from naysayers or those who will question your efforts.

LOOK at how simple their response is, “The lord needs this” – you won’t need a bunch of words to explain what God has told you to do.

Even if the owner questions you – The word from Who sent you is ENOUGH! Remember Who sent you

YOU HAVE TO BELIEVE IN THE SOLUTION AS WELL AS THE SOURCE!

Many of us are sitting at home with all of the solutions for what we need to get done. Although people are telling you what you need to do – the challenge is actually getting started. Trust the source who told you!

They had to go to the city

They had to untie the colt

They had to respond to being questioned

Many of us quit at the first obstacle. But when you know your WHY – you can deal with WHAT it takes to get it done.

What will it take for you get something done during this time? Please don’t wait for pain for you to get pushing. Push because you know there is something coming and push at your pace. Your motivation shouldn’t be dependent on others. What if they stop – does that mean you will stop as well?

Here is the last part.

When they bring the colt to Jesus, they take their garments and place them on the colt before they place Jesus on the colt. Even if you get the spotlight – Jesus must always get the glory. The colt wasn’t for them – it was for Jesus. When God gets the glory you will get the benefit. They cast their clothes on the colt just as we can cast our cares on Jesus who will carry us through this stage of life.

We will get through this uncomfortable season – but we must keep Christ first – He is with us in this and He will triumphantly lead us through this.

When they arrived in the city – the Pharisees were upset at how loud the people cheered. The Pharisees even asked Jesus to rebuke them.

I love his response, which is the punctuation for this message.” – Jesus says, “If they kept quiet, the stones along the road would burst into cheers!”

Jesus doesn’t need us to make miracles happen and He doesn’t need us to celebrate His work – but we must pursue Him in the midst, platform him through this, and praise Him after this. We are the extension of His power and the reflection of His Glory.

It will take some work but God has already given you the answers along the way.