Day 188, Year 1

Welcoming the Lord’s Arrival 

“And a very great multitude spread their clothes on the road; others cut down branches from the trees and spread them on the road.” (Matthew 21:8 NKJV)

Today’s verse describes the actions of the crowd as they welcomed the Lord Jesus into Jerusalem at that time. The act of paving the road aimed to prevent dust and debris from being kicked up, thus creating a clean environment for Jesus’ arrival. Similarly, when we, as believers, welcome Jesus in, not only should we do so naturally, but we need to clean our hearts, lay down our “clothes” and cut down “branches” like the crowd at that time.

In the past, clothes held great value. For those who were more affluent, clothes could display their splendor, much like the tunic of Joseph with many colors in the Old Testament, which showcased his glory. To welcome Jesus, we must lay everything we value, everything we take pride in, before Him, even at His feet. Let Him evaluate, handle, and even trample upon them. What Jesus deems significant to Him can be kept, while what is worthless must be discarded. As mentioned previously, we should dismantle all the high things in us and bring our hearts into total submission to Jesus. We who truly welcome the Lord Jesus should also lay before Him everything we consider valuable, seeking His evaluation and assessment. 

The “branches” of the past could be lush with foliage or bearing fruit. Cutting down the branches within our hearts may signify removing all the structures or aspects of life that do not have Jesus, allowing only the life of Jesus to flourish within us. When people welcome Jesus into their hearts, but simultaneously welcome other forms of “life,” those others could often capture their attention and consume the nourishment of their hearts and minds, consequently sidelining and belittling Jesus. Indeed, one tree cannot bear two kinds of fruit. If Jesus is to enter our lives and bear His fruit, our lives should not bear any other fruit.

In conclusion, when inviting the Lord Jesus into our lives, we need to purify ourselves and lay all our valuables at His feet. Furthermore, we should cut down any other forms of “life” within us that do not belong to Him, allowing His life to take precedence and be the center, making His presence the most valuable pursuit in our lives. By relying on Him wholeheartedly, we can grow branches and bear His fruit.

Reflection questions:

1) Are you willing to thoroughly purify yourself to welcome the arrival of the Lord Jesus?

2) Do you feel the need to place everything that seems important to you before the Lord for Him to evaluate and handle it?