From Celebration to Tragedy to Glorious Victory

Today is Palm Sunday, the day Christians celebrate Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem. It is also His last week on earth. The same people who shouted "Hosanna" on Sunday would be crying "Crucify" on Friday.
As a life long Methodist I have always seen the celebratory side of Palm Sunday. Yesterday I received a letter from my mother which read " Have a great Palm Sunday. In my mind, I see you in the side balcony singing "Tell Me the Stories of Jesus". ( This is a reference to me singing in the childrens choir at 4th Avenue United Methodist Church many moons ago!) I have sung Hosannas and waved palm branches with my own daughter Brittany when she was young. I have always seen the "happy side" of Palm Sunday..... until today. Until I sang the anthem "Ride On, Ride On in Majesty" at our downtown campus of 1st UMC.

Ride on, ride on in majesty. Hark ! All the tribes hosanna cry.
O Savior meek, your road pursue, with palms and scattered
garments strewed.
Ride on in majesty! O Christ, your triumphs now begin o'er
captive death and conquered sin. Ride on, ride on in majesty.
The winged squadrons of the sky look down with sad and
wondering eyes to see the approaching sacrifice.
Ride on, ride on in majesty! In lowly pomp ride on to die!
Bow your meek head to mortal pain. Then take, O Christ your
pow'r and reign. Hosanna, Hosanna ride on , ride on.
(Text : Henry Milman Music: Daniel Kallman 2010)

Jesus knew, from the foundation of the world, that He was born to die. As He heard the cries of hosanna and saw the people celebrating His triumphant entry into the Holy City, He KNEW what was coming..... but He "rode on" anyway.
May you more fully realize the depth of God's love for you as you journey through this HOLY WEEK.... Easter is coming but Jesus' pain and suffering is just beginning.