The next day a great multitude that had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, 13 took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, and cried out:
“Hosanna! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ The King of Israel!”
14 Then Jesus, when He had found a young donkey, sat on it; as it is written: 15 “Fear not, daughter of Zion; Behold, your King is coming, Sitting on a donkey’s colt.” 16 His disciples did not understand these things at first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things were written about Him and that they had done these things to Him. 17 Therefore the people, who were with Him when He called Lazarus out of his tomb and raised him from the dead, bore witness. 18 For this reason the people also met Him, because they heard that He had done this sign. 19 The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, “You see that you are accomplishing nothing. Look, the world has gone after Him!” John 12:12-19
Almighty God and King,
It was very difficult for those who saw the coming King of the Jews, the promised Messiah to be like historic Kings, warriors and victors over their enemies. As King David was.
Here was a man riding on a donkey, a symbol of a person of no threat of peace. Who touched lepers, allowed women to kiss his feet with tears and who had but a small group of 12 disciples. The trouble was he was popular with the crowds many of who had been fed by him, or knew someone who had been healed by him. Some we read had heard about Lazarus being raised from the dead. So he was competition, a threat to the religious.
Some times you need to shake us up lest we get into routine religion. We need to see You are still amongst us, the Prince of Peace, King of glory. Still encouraging people to meet you where they are. Still challenging the religious to what they hold on to and trust in You. Still declaring You are King whether they are praising or still plotting to discredit you. Help us raise a hallelujah in all circumstances.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Monday 9th November 2026
I raise a hallelujah, in the presence of my enemies
I raise a hallelujah, louder than the unbelief
I raise a hallelujah, my weapon is a melody
I raise a hallelujah, heaven comes to fight for me
I’m gonna sing, in the middle of the storm
Louder and louder, you’re gonna hear my praises roar
Up from the ashes, hope will arise
Death is defeated, the king is alive!
I raise a hallelujah, with everything inside of me
I raise a hallelujah, I will watch the darkness flee
I raise a hallelujah, in the middle of the mystery
I raise a hallelujah, fear you lost your hold on me!
I’m gonna sing, in the middle of the storm
Louder and louder, you’re gonna hear my praises roar
Up from the ashes, hope will arise
Death is defeated, the king is alive!
Sing a little louder (in the presence of my enemies)
Sing a little louder (louder than the unbelief)
Sing a little louder (my weapon is a melody)
Sing a little louder (heaven comes to fight for me)
Sing a little louder (in the presence of my enemies)
Sing a little louder (louder than the unbelief)
Sing a little louder (my weapon is a melody)
Sing a little louder (heaven comes to fight for me)
Sing a little louder!
I’m gonna sing, in the middle of the storm
Louder and louder, you’re gonna hear my praises roar
Up from the ashes, hope will arise
Death is defeated, the king is alive!
Lyrics: Jake Stevens, Jonathan David Helser, Melissa Helser, Molly Skaggs.