Psalm 107:33-43, 108; 2 Samuel 16:1-23; Acts 22:17-29; Mark 11:1-11
David continues his sad march from the land. The next to greet him is Ziba, the servant of Mephibosheth, son of David’s covenant partner Jonathan, whom David has treated as though he were his own son. Ziba offers David donkeys on which to ride and food for his men, a lavish gift. When David asks why Mephibosheth is not with him, the servant says that his master has determined that what goes around comes around and is waiting to be restored to his rightful place as king. Is this true? Is Ziba lying to curry favor with David? David chooses at this time to believe the servant. As they continue, another of Saul’s tribe, Shimei, curses David and throws stones at him, questioning David’s kingship. David’s men offer to kill Shimei but David, as always, is willing to believe that this is of the Lord and if not, the Lord will deal with Shimei. He knows himself to be a sinful man and he knows the prophecy against him concerning his sons and that he is a “man of blood” in the killing of Uriah. What is happening is indeed what he was foretold. As Absalom comes into the city he receives counsel from Ahitophel who was greatly trusted and that counsel is further fulfillment of the prophecy of Nathan concerning David, that another man would lie with his wives in the sight of all. David receives all this as his just punishment for sin. David is an extraordinary man.
As David goes out in defeat, Jesus comes in to Jerusalem in what seems like victory. David rides out on the donkey provided by Ziba and Jesus rides in on a donkey. Donkeys were symbols of peace, unlike the horse, which was associated with war. David is not going out to fight and Jesus is not coming in to fight. He is received with great acclaim rather than the throwing of stones and cursing; that will happen soon enough. On this day, Jesus is adored by the crowds shouting “Hosanna”, “Lord save us!” He is hailed as the Messianic king who will restore the throne of David and usher in the glorious kingdom, as the one who comes in the Name of the Lord. We know what happens next but on this day, what were the disciples thinking, what were the people thinking and what were the leaders thinking? Jesus knows how fickle this crowd can be, knows what will come next and yet this day he receives their adulation. Are we really any different from the crowds?
Paul had the crowds with him for the first part of his defense and then lost them. They were fine with his testimony about what happened to him and about his persecution of the church but then he said that he got a word from the Lord in the temple against the Jews and the city of God. What was he thinking? He was claiming that God sent Him away from Jerusalem for their hardness of heart and he affirmed the ministry of Stephen whom they had stoned. Little wonder that they decided he needed to be killed just as Stephen had been. Paul’s dual citizenship, Jew and Roman, comes in handy once again as he avoids the lash due to his citizenship. Paul is not unwilling to suffer, that time has not come, however, there is work yet to be done. He is both Jew and Roman, but his greater allegiance is to the Lord and is willing to risk both his earthly citizenships for the heavenly one.
As rain on meadows newly mown,
So shall He send his influence down:
His grace on fainting souls distills,
Like heav’nly dew on thirsty hills.
The saints shall flourish in His days,
Dressed in the robes of joy and praise;
Peace, like a river, from His throne
Shall flow to nations yet unknown.
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