28 November 2011

Psalm 1, 2, 3; Amos 2:6-16; 2 Pet. 1:1-11; Matt. 21:1-11

The Lord’s complaint is based on what He has specifically done for Israel in giving them the land. They have seen and experienced His lovingkindness and for that reason they are held to a higher standard. The same is true of any who have taken the Name of Jesus and, as James reminds us, there is a higher standard still for those who would teach the Word of God. To whom much is given, much is expected. It is easy to point fingers at the world for its sinfulness but, as the old saw goes, when you do there are three other fingers pointing back at you. Amos, speaking for the Lord, promises that not only is the standard higher for Israel than for those nations who do not know the Lord or His ways, the judgment will be harsh and none will avoid it.

There would have been enormous crowds in Jerusalem for Passover and some would have known about Jesus and others perhaps wouldn’t have recognized Him at all. In fulfillment of the prophecy of Zechariah Jesus comes into town on a donkey, a symbol of peace, as opposed to a horse which was a symbol of war. This was a different kind of King and a different kind of kingdom. What did the people expect would happen next after this word was fulfilled? Did they expect Jesus to somehow be enthroned? Their cry is “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” The plea is “Save us!” The cry is from Psalm 118 and is a song of deliverance, greeting the Messiah. Indeed, Jesus is going to answer that prayer, but not in a way anyone will recognize until after the Resurrection.

What a humble address, “To those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ…” Peter is an apostle, if some are believed, the apostle of apostles, and yet he recognizes these are equals in faith because of Jesus. Yesterday we talked about preparation, today Peter gives practical advice on how to prepare. His prescription is to add to faith things like virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection and love. These do not save us more than faith, but they are the virtues of godly people, they keep our lives focused on the right things. We become the kind of people God wants us to be and we become more prepared to greet Him with joy rather than fear or shame. Just as He is a different kind of king, so are we to be a different kind of people.