They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting,

“Hosanna!”

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”

“Blessed is the king of Israel!”

John 12:13 (NIV)

            “Save us now!” That’s one appropriate way you could translate the Hebrew term hosanna. As we approach Palm Sunday and prepare our hearts to sing and shout on Sunday in praise to the King of Kings, it’s appropriate to ask ourselves, what needs saving in our lives? Of course, if we believe in Jesus and repent of our sins we’re saved, we’re covered, we’re forgiven and being set free. We can have a blessed assurance of that. But in Ephesians chapter 2:5 and 8, Paul reminds us that we’re the “being saved ones,” (even if that semi-awkward translation doesn’t get fully reflected in our English translations).

            What Paul is saying is that every day that we walk with Jesus as his disciples, we journey on in the perfecting grace of the one who is saving us. Palm Sunday can sometimes feel like a strange day on the Christian calendar. We know where the story is heading, how many in the crown seemingly turn on Jesus in less than a week. We know even, that some in the crowd that day were shouting for all the wrong reasons, completely misunderstanding the message of Jesus. But maybe that’s the point. Maybe Palm Sunday is a chance for us to shout once again, “Hosanna!” Save me Lord! It’s a chance to commit again to the work of Jesus in our lives, and a chance for us to reflect again on what still needs his saving touch. Perhaps Palm Sunday is an opportunity for us to again pray for Jesus to continue the good work he began in our lives as we grow in love and draw us closer to him as the one true King of Kings. (Philippians 1:3-11) As you pray today, here are some prompts to consider:

·      Pray hosanna! And ask God what still needs saving, healing, and redeeming in your life as you journey with Jesus.

·      Ask the Lord to prepare your heart for Holy Week and all that comes with it, and that it would not just drift by, but that you would approach it with intentionality and resolve to remember what God has done for us through Jesus Christ.

·      Pray for GP. Pray for unity among its people, its ministries, and in purpose.