Passion and the Passionate

This week is known as 'Passion Week'.

These are the days prior to the celebrating of Resurrection Day, (some call it Easter Sunday)that Jesus the Christ deliberately made His way toward His own execution. In the days of 'Passion', in these few days, Jesus intensifies His disclosure that He is indeed the Promised Messiah, the 'Deliverer' long awaited for.

"They brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, He sat on it."
Mark 11:7

Jesus began His Passion Week by declaring His right to rule openly and then receiving the praises of the multitude who attributed Kingship to Him in resounding fashion.

There are one or two things that I am very certain that I will never attempt. One was confirmed a couple weeks ago as Charlette and I enjoyed an afternoon of watching other people ride bulls. It was the Championship Round of the Professional Bull Riders Association down at the Sprint Center here in Kansas City. Those cowboys intentionally mount untamed, unbroken, genetically engineered bulls with the hopes of lasting 8 seconds. Most of these PBA lads didn't last long, much less 8 seconds. Most went airborne, and a few limped their way out through the exit gate.

When Jesus assumed the mount of an unbroken colt, He postured Himself as absolutely sovereign. He spoke, and the winds obeyed His command and the stormy waves were quieted as well. When he issued the command to drop the fishing nets to the other side of the boat to professional anglers, and they could not haul in the catch of fish...His command led to the obvious realization that He was no mere man. When Jesus was recognized by a soldier as one with unmatched authority, asking for a healing for his loyal servant who was nearing death, it was just a word spoken at that moment that eclipsed distance and brought immediate remedy to the suffering servant.

Jesus proved time and time again that He was indeed the fulfillment of the Prophet's predictions. He did this once again as He mounted the unbroken colt and made His way through the cheering crowds...who were moved to offer praise fit only for a King. What they sang is recorded in Psalm 118:25-26;

"O LORD, save us; O LORD, grant us success. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. From the house of the Lord, we bless you."

This is a hymn of thanksgiving and deliverance from Israel's enemies. This was a song reserved in expressing joy for national deliverance in epic proportions. There are some who believe that this was the song that Jesus and His disciples sang as they concluded their observance of the Passover at His Last Supper. This song of deliverance came from the heart and the mouth of the Deliverer...the All Powerful, All Sovereign Deliverer... and was now being lavished upon Him as He once again revealed His Kingship;

"Hosanna! Hosanna in the Highest!" Mark 11:10-11

This expression of highest praise is multiplied through the voices of the people and the waving of the branches of victory acknowledging the Lordship and the majesty of Christ. It is here that the passionate resound in giving great glory to the True King.

What are you passionate about? Politics? Education? Social injustice? Vocation? Sports? Family? Recreation? Money making? Entertainment? Celebrities?

When you consider carefully the movement, the words, and the events that led to the Cross of the Lord Jesus throughout Passion Week (we have it as March 11-16), meditate on His 'passion' for you. Think carefully and often about His open declaration of love toward you, evidenced in His power on display, and His sacrifice...power deferred by humility.

You may want to re-assess what matters most. When you do, Psalm 118 may become your personal Song of Victory as well!