“As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples, 2 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. 3 If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly.’”” Mark 11:1-3 NET
Lord God Almighty,
The disciples have walked on with Jesus towards Jerusalem and it was mainly uphill. Was it as hot and humid? Now he gives two of them very precise instructions! They do not question his directions, I wonder what they were thinking. Is he tired from the uphill and needs a ride? Why choose a donkey that has never been ridden? Will the owner let them take and use it? Will they be able to get it to come with them?
Then I remember, Jesus was not just man, but You, God with us. It was prophesied that when the Messiah came he would be the Mighty God but also Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). Kings rode in Chariots or on horses to war but rode a donkey to show they came vulnerable and in peace. Like Solomon riding David’s donkey when they made him king. (1 Kings 1:33). Jesus knew where there was one, unridden and available. The owner will agree and this unridden donkey will be obedient and not a bucking bronco. Your plan will not fail.
I suspect the disciples did not try to ride the donkey? But who knows . . . and they are to assure anyone who asks that it will be returned. We do need to remember to keep our promises. Jesus is the King of creation but does not abuse His position. Even amidst the noise, crowds and waving branches the donkey behaved! A miracle indeed.
Help us not to worry about what is going on around us, but look to You our Prince of Peace for direction and provision. And learn from the donkey, that where we submit to Jesus, You are, and where You are there is peace in both calm or storm.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Suggestions for prayer . . .
Lord God almighty,
For our family, extended family, friends, neighbours.
For our church Ministers, lay leaders, Sunday school teachers, fellow worshippers.
For our king and all those in authority (1 Timothy 2:2). Royal family.
For the Prime Minister and government, commons and Lords. Selection of new opposition leader.
For Gaza, Middle East, Change hard hearts, melt vengeance, send hope. Medical aid and food.
For Ukraine. Bereaved families. Families still in other countries. Change Putin’s heart to end war.
For Myanmar freedom from cruel military control. Protect Your church people.
For all those affected by the stabbings in Southport.
For the ongoing Olympic games.
For those sensitive to noise, movement. Those hypersensitive to touch, sound and smell (ADHD).
For us to walk through today with You in peace even if around us is unsettled, unpredictable or busy.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Wednesday 31st July 2024
Numbers 6:24-26. Just let the words wash over You and receive them.
Kari says they were trying to write lyrics. After a couple of hours trying they stopped and felt the presence of God around them. They then came up with the melody using the lyrics straight from Scripture. She says it is the heart of the Father over His children.
The Lord bless you
And keep you
Make His face shine upon you
And be gracious to you
The Lord turn His
Face toward you
And give you peace
Amen, amen, amen
Amen, amen, amen
The Lord bless you
And keep you
Make His face shine upon you
And be gracious to you
The Lord turn His
Face toward you
And give you peace
Amen, amen, amen
Amen, amen, amen
May His favour be upon you
And a thousand generations
And your family and your children
And their children, and their children
May His favour be upon you
And a thousand generations
And your family and your children
And their children, and their children
May His presence go before you
And behind you, and beside you
All around you, and within you
He is with you, He is with you
In the morning, in the evening
In your coming, and your going
In your weeping, and rejoicing
He is for you, He is for you
He is for you, He is for you
He is for you, He is for you
He is for you, He is for you
Amen, amen, amen
Amen, amen, amen
May His presence go before you
And behind you, and beside you
All around you, and within you
He is with you, He is with you
In the morning, in the evening
In your coming, and your going
In your weeping, and rejoicing
He is for you
Lyrics: Chris Brown, Cody Carnes, Kari Jobe and Steven Furtick