Luke 19:34 They replied, “The Lord needs it.”

The story of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem is an interesting and beautiful illustration of how God makes use of everything. Sending the disciples to collect a colt they had no way to know was there, as well as what would happen once they found it, was a powerful boost to those disciples’ faith. Along with that, it was the first example of Jesus requisitioning something on the basis of His authority as Lord. People in those days were used to having to give up things on request to those in authority, and the fact that the owners of this colt apparently didn’t protest is a strong indication that they were recognizing and accepting Jesus’ authority. I would be willing to bet that it wasn’t long after the resurrection that the owners of the colt were full believers! The question for us becomes, how well do we accept Jesus’ right and authority to require something of us? I feel we’re back to Nate Saint’s famous line: “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep, to gain what he cannot lose.” Jesus said that if we try to hang on to anything, even our lives, we will lose it; it is only when we surrender things to Him that we really gain them. (Matthew 10:39)

I have surrendered various things to Christ over the years. Some of them He has returned to me multiplied, and some seem to be gone completely, at least as far as I can see at this point. I can’t say as I regret any of it, because even the things that are gone are more than compensated for by other blessings. I desire to hold all things loosely, acknowledging Christ’s Lordship, but I have to confess a grasping impulse at times. My flesh doesn’t like to give things up! Just two days ago I threw my lower back out, and my flesh protested the loss of mobility and strength (not to mention the pain). However, it has been a lesson in delegation – long overdue – as well as a reminder that I can do everything through Christ that He calls me to do. (Philippians 4:13) I have met all my obligations, and it will probably bless the young man I will be asking this morning to set up the chairs in the church sanctuary. I need to remember that neither my time nor my abilities are really my own, but belong to the Lord who created and then redeemed me. He knows what He needs of me, and I need to rest in the assurance that the ultimate outcome will be very good indeed.

Father, thank You for all the lessons You teach me. Help me learn and retain them! Thank You for getting me through the wedding yesterday, and that my back was better at the end of the day than at the beginning. Thank You for all that today holds, and that as busy as it will be, I don’t dread any of it. Help me stay focused on You, not just today but every day, particularly as my schedule is so packed for the next two weeks. May Your Name be hallowed and Your kingdom come as Your will is done in and through me, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!