When Jerusalem came into view, He looked
intently at the city and began to weep. Jesus: “How I wish you knew today what would
bring peace! But you can’t see.”
(Luke 19: 41-41 The Voice)
“Car coming,” someone shouted. Our
line of pilgrims hugged the towering, concrete wall.
The narrow road twisted as it
descended from the Mount of Olives to the valley outside the walls of the Old
City of Jerusalem. Four times I walked the path where Jesus walked. Every trip
touched my heart as I traced His final journey.
The barren, rocky cemetery beside
the road held thousands of Jewish graves. Above ground monuments and stones
covered the hillside. Black clad mourners walked to loved ones’ graves and
stood reverently in silence.
On my last trip to the Holy Land,
rain made the descent even more hazardous than normal. As our tour group
avoided rushing cars, slick pavement made walking difficult. Our guide
repeatedly reminded us to hold the handrails. With baby steps, I moved
downward. Unfortunately, gaps of several feet in the iron railing caused more
obstacles. But willing hands reached out to support unsteady travelers. My
breathing returned to normal at the end when I stepped into the Garden of Gethsemane.
We finished the laborious downward
trek because we focused on our footsteps, listened to our guide, and received
strong hands for support. If we had been distracted by the view of the city or
tombs or ignored assistance, the results could have been disastrous.
When the crowd joined Jesus for His
jubilant entry to the city on Palm Sunday, they sang and danced. Shouts of
hosanna rang out. Palm branches waved and formed a carpet beneath the donkey’s
path. The crowd focused fully on Jesus.
However, the celebrating didn’t last
long. Only a few days later, their focus changed. The people joined a much
different crowd. One clamoring for Jesus’s death. Most ignored the truth of His
message.
It is easy to condemn the crowds
surrounding Jesus. But today our focus on Him changes too. Mistakes happen.
Poor decisions are made. Busyness squeezes Him out. Feet slip. People slide.
Thankfully, His hands reach out to support each wavering drifter.
Jesus, thank you for holding and guiding
me even when I falter. Amen
No comments:
Post a Comment