Day 189, Year 1

Are You Joyfully Welcoming the Lord?

“Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: ‘Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD! Hosanna in the highest!'” (Matthew 21:9 NKJV)

In the past, as Jesus entered Jerusalem, the crowd enthusiastically cried out to Him, Blessed is the Savior who comes in the name of the Lord. According to the Gospel of John, this excitement was fueled by the precedent miracle of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. Likewise, when we experience the miracles of Jesus, we will be excited and joyful. And we welcome Him, and praise Him as we feel His goodness. This is because we can feel the spiritual power of Jesus’ resurrection, which always renews our minds.

However, as mentioned previously, some people accept Jesus without any excitement or praise. From my observation, this is especially true for those who have repeatedly rejected Jesus but eventually opened their hearts to Him. Of course, those who feel “compelled” to open the door to Jesus might not experience any joy. It is certainly not a sin to open the door to Jesus and accept Him in a calm manner. Still, some believers surely need time to grow in their faith so as to really feel and praise His goodness and power at a later time. Similarly, the term “Hosanna” mentioned in the verse is a plea for salvation and help, expressing praise for the Savior. It is natural that after people experience the Lord’s salvation and help, they will genuinely praise Him. Of course, new believers may learn more hymns and choruses, making it easier for them to express their emotions and praise toward God when needed. Truly, if you accept the Lord Jesus, He will provide salvation and help in times of need. I encourage you to pour out your needs to Him through prayers and seek His help with thanksgiving.

Today’s verse mentions “in the highest.” Indeed, Jesus Christ is the exalted Lord in the highest who chooses to knock on the doors of human hearts and dwell among us. Humble believers can experience the transcendent power of God, often through the deep yearning and earnest prayers to Him. If we truly welcome this King of kings into our lives, not only will we feel immense joy, but we may also feel unworthy. Then we will be willing to change everything within ourselves to align with the changes that Jesus desires, and do everything He wants us to do. Right?

Reflection questions:

1) Do you feel excitement and praise in your heart when welcoming the Lord into your life?

2) Are you willing to acknowledge the exalted status of the Lord Jesus in the highest and prepare to change everything within you so as to receive His salvation fully?