(March 28, 2010)

When the President of the United States comes to town, there are preparations beyond our wildest imaginations that have to be made. It's a logistical nightmare, but everything works out and few people even know everything that goes on behind the scenes. So, this begs the question: Was it a logistical nightmare to bring the King of Kings to town?

Presidents go to where they are invited and there has to be a purpose behind it. However, Jesus' trips are different. He shows up unexpectedly. He doesn't have a set schedule before arrival. When the President arrives, he's in a limo and flies on Air Force One. There is pomp and circumstance. Jesus rides Colt One, a small donkey. There is no pomp and circumstance when he enters into town. By riding into Jerusalem on a donkey, He was making a statement. The King comes in humble and fulfilling prophesy.

The followers of Jesus would have never passed a Secret Service screening. This rag-tag group was filled with sinners and invalids. They came to welcome the King and He was more than happy to accommodate them. This would never happen with the President of the United States.

What are some things we do in preparation of the coming of the Lord? We sing, we read the Bible, we share the word, we forgive others, we worship, we say His name, we pray, we confess, we get our minds clear and focused. We do these things for Him, not for us. Praise sets the house for God and Worship is when He moves in. If we are being honest, we are not prepared to hear from the Lord. Challenge yourself to have Praise and Worship before you attend church. It's like batting practice. Once ready, we can attack hell with our squirt guns!

If Jesus showed up, would you have recognized Him? If He walked down the aisle, would you do more in your Worship?

We need to remember He was born in a manger. We need to remember that He rode in on a donkey. But, when He comes back, it will not be on a donkey, it will be with great fanfare with a great army.

- Jon Bruney
(credit to Homiletics)