With An Expectant Hope, We Await His Return

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“A prison cell, in which one waits, hopes – and is completely dependent on the fact that the door of freedom has to be opened from the outside, is not a bad picture of Advent”  - Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Advent is the blessed but solemn season meant to remind us of our Lord's first coming in great humility, and also of His return (second coming) in His divine majesty.

Matthew 21:1-13 illustrates a humble Christ's royal treatment by the people as he rode into Jerusalem; therefore suggesting His reception at the glorious second coming (Matthew 24:30).

In this passage, we see our Lord entering Jerusalem for the last time as a King; though being fully aware that in a few short days He would be wearing a crown of thorns, and given a a reed stick as a scepter (Matthew 27:29).

Our Lord's entry into Jerusalem, seated on a donkey’s colt, signified nothing low or lacking in prominence. Animals such as donkeys, mules, and camels were commonly ridden by ordinary people at this time. 

However, even kings and princes rode on donkeys (asses) in peace time. Solomon himself rode on a donkey in the ceremony when he was named the new king of Israel, as one example (1 Kings 1:33).

The Prophet Zechariah foretold that our Lord would make His entry into Jerusalem in this manner (Zechariah 9:9). And when He did, it was without any showiness or pageantry. 

Without question, it was an act of marvelous humility that our Lord appeared on earth in our wretched, human form. But never did the meek and lowly Jesus appear less proud, than that day when he rode through the chanting crowd.

This is the glorious Savior, the  heavenly King, whom we are called upon to serve. At His first coming He appeared riding a donkey's colt. But when He returns, it will be in His glory; riding on the wings of the wind (Psalms 104:3).

Scripture: Psalm 39:7; Psalm 130:5; Psalm 71:5; Psalm 71:14; Micah 7:7 

Prayer: I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope. Amen  - Psalm 130:5

Celebrating Christ,

Celeste