October 20, 2020 -- John 12:12-13 -- Triumph in our King

The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!”

John 12:12-13 English Standard Version

This same crowd shouting “Hosanna” would a few days later shout “Crucify!” One day they are declaring Jesus saves! Then a few days later they call for His death. Jesus foretold of His crucifixion—unless He died in the place of sinners—the guiltless one for guilty—no one could see God. The greatness of our sins would preclude the possibility of entering the Father’s holy presence.

Even so, the crowd was right in this one thing, Jesus was and remains the King! He is the Deliverer. Though His strategy was hidden from the crowds, it has been declared and celebrated through-out history ever since. It is a critical lesson for us today. Though this Covid-19 pandemic seems to have gripped the world with feverish fears, and many people wonder “Where is God?” The simple answer is He is working out His kingly purposes through-out this trying time.

Human faith is placed in a vaccine. Human faith is placed in government hand-outs. Human faith is placed in big pharma. Human faith always looks to snake oils and quick fixes without reference to God Who alone is the Help of the helpless.

True faith is placed in Christ Who has taken away the sin of the world. True faith is anchored in the Kingship of Jesus Who is leading His people in victory no matter what temporary governments do. True faith is living now as a citizen of the Eternal Kingdom, irrespective of government dictates and fear mongering. Believers will gather, pray and praise the Living King. “Our help is in the Name of the LORD, Who made heaven and earth (Psalm 124:8).

The eyes of faith see Jesus, seated at the Father’s right hand and do not fear for ourselves—instead, armed with the knowledge that all who oppose our Lord and King will one day be cast into hell, we pray urgently for our leaders, for prime ministers and premiers, for mayors and officials of all sorts, for our family and neighbours that they will know the Lord and rejoice in His salvation.

Our prayer this morning is taken from Psalm 118—what a confident prayer-song the Spirit of God has given to believers for all the centuries to stir the hearts of saints in every time and age of distress! One day we shall sing this song in the Presence of the Triune God, forever blessed!

Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good;

for His steadfast love endures forever!

Out of my distress I called on the LORD;

the LORD answered me and set me free.

The LORD is on my side; I will not fear.

What can man do to me?

“The LORD is on my side as my helper;

I shall look in triumph on those who hate me.

It is better to take refuge in the LORD

than to trust in man.

Psalm 118:1,5-8 ESV