what to expect from a king

Have you ever had a time in your journey where you thought Jesus and God were just not what you expected?

It's Sunday morning, we want to have our parade and move on to Easter. But first consider Mark 11:1-11.

When the text occurs, the Jewish people are celebrating God's having delivered them from slavery in Egypt. Now they are under Roman control. They are hopeful about the freedom from oppression that God can bring.

Jesus should not move publicly among the Jews, because the chief priests and Pharisees are looking to arrest and kill him. They also want to kill Lazarus, whom Jesus has just raised from the dead. There is talk of a dead girl raised, of a man who can walk on water. There's a reward offered for information leading to Jesus' death, money to be made for a bounty hunter.

There are at least two main issues in the text.

I. Obedience Issues
Obedience precedes blessings in God’s kingdom. I know the donkey sounds silly. But the donkey is a means of transportation and a way for people to make a living. You might think of it today as taking a car. What amazing obedience to a clear and simple command from God these two disciples showed.

If things aren't going in your life like you thought they would, maybe God expects some obedience from you on some very clear, very simple things, and you are hesitating.

II. Expectation Issues
The King will hear our expectations, but not necessarily give in to them. The disciples have brought Jesus the colt, and his many followers surround him. Their chants indicate that they want a warrior to save them, to overthrow the Romans, and to reinstate the power and glory the Jewish nation knew in the days of King David.

Jesus had told them he was going to Jerusalem, where he would die. He's giving them symbols: I'm coming in on a donkey, not a war stallion. I'm coming in peace, not battle. I'm coming to give myself over, not fight. There's a bounty on him, and he's going in very publicly. Either he's clueless, or this is one of the most calculated acts in history. He is calling the shots.

If you are going to invite Jesus to be your King, you have to know that he is often not going to do things your way. God may have a different picture for your life than you have for your life. Usually, it's because God's desire for us is bigger, more powerful, and world-shaking.

Things to Consider:
1. Is there an area in your life where God may be asking you to “untie a colt” and obey Him?
2. Remember that God is in charge. He's calling the shots. For our good, and the good of the world.

May Jesus' confidence become a gift to you in the mist of trying times. And as you walk this Easter road, may you find blessing.