Morning Devotionals

by Don Emmitte

 

March 19th, 2008

 

"In Control"

As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples, saying to them, "Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, 'Why are you doing this?' tell him, 'The Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly.'" (Mark 11:1-3 NIV).

A superficial reading of the events from the Triumphal Entry to Easter Sunday could give you this impression that a popular Godly prophet and miracle worker is put to death by the dastardly, scheming Pharisees and Sadducees, aided by a spineless Roman named Pilate. All in all it is a sad depressing tale. Fortunately for us if you look at the record carefully you find a tale very different from that depressing one. It shows Jesus Christ as being fully in control, deeply concerned about the people around him, and intent on completing God’s agenda in the proper way.

You see Jesus not only in control of himself but of the events of this week. He chose the particular donkey colt for the triumphal entry. He cleansed the Temple and no one chased him off. He selected the place for the Last Supper. He told Judas when to leave. At the arrest he directed the flow of events; the arresting force even fell back at the sound of his voice! Through the trials he is the only one who is composed. At the crucifixion, he refused the drugged wine, settled affairs, and died when it was time. After the Resurrection, he comes and goes as he wills, even through locked doors. Even this short list demonstrates that he is the sovereign Lord.

Jesus’ deep love and concern for people is also evident. He shed tears over Jerusalem because he knew what their rejection of him would mean. He was concerned for Peter, he prayed for him, warned him, and forgave him. He was concerned about his mother’s welfare and took care of that from the cross. Jesus was also intent living the week out correctly. We see this most clearly in the Garden when he prays. He literally does God’s will God’s way and so is the sinless Savior we need. Through all of this Jesus Christ is revealed to be the sovereign, triumphant, King of kings, God the Son, and our Savior.

It is a great encouragement to us in our lives. When things happen, when life appears to be out of control, whether it is news from the war in Iraq, finances, things at work, or just everything in general; remember to look beyond the surface!