As we move from Palm Sunday into the most holy week of the Christian Calendar, Bobby urges us to ask ourselves: Is Christ the king of my heart?
In ancient times, palm branches were a symbol of strength and celebration. For the Feast of Booths in the seventh month, God’s people used palms and other luxuriant branches to celebrate (see Leviticus 23:40 and Nehemiah 8:15). Victors in athletic games and battles were often given palm branches to symbolize their strength. King Solomon engraved images of palms into the pillars of the Temple.
When Jesus is welcomed into Jerusalem with palms, they serve as a symbol of his kingship. But do we treat Christ with the kingship he deserves?
We all play a part in the Passion story. Some of us are Peter when he denies Christ. Some of us are the Jews who are not willing to give up everything to follow Christ. Or sometimes we play a different part depending on the day. Too few are the times when we stay at the foot of the Cross with him.
Where are you in the story? Ask God, “Where have I let you down?” or, “How have I been faithful to you?” Let this Holy Week be different from years past.
