Our prayers can also contain praise. On the day of Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem (the day we call Palm Sunday), the crowds offered wonderful praise to Jesus: “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!”
Yet we know that they did not fully comprehend who Jesus was, what He would do, or what kind of king He was. They seemed to be more interested in political salvation than spiritual salvation.
This is a trap that is easy for Christians to fall into. We know right and wrong because God has revealed it to us in Sacred Scripture. Because we live in a democracy, we also have a voice in our government. It is important that we never let our enthusiasm for politics overwhelm our priorities in such a way that we neglect to see our real needs.
Praying for God to forgive our trespasses reminds us that our real need is not for a political savior but for a Savior who would die on the cross for the sins of the world. When we shout “Hosanna!” (Save, now!), we know we are calling on Jesus to forgive us our sins and grant us life and salvation. We know that we will live under the Blessed King of Israel for all eternity in heaven.
Prayer: King Jesus, as we lay our coats and branches before you let us recognize you as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Amen.
God’s richest blessings in Christ,
Pastor Philip Quardokus
Download a pdf of all the Lenten devotions here.
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