It's Holy Week, and I'm distracted by a lot of things: work, unexpected events, an upcoming book launch, my hair that needs a root-touch up. An art installation has gone long, cramming this week's thoughtful meditations on the sufferings of Christ into a Cliff-Notes version.
I hate it when this happens.
Last night, we got home late from the said art installation (I know, on Palm Sunday) and ate our pizza in front of the TV. There was a little phrase that had been going around in my head all day, and after awhile I left PBS's episode of Selfridge to go look it up.
"Behold, your King."
Behold, your King. Now, where did that come from?
Turns out, I wrote about this very phrase several years ago on this blog. I think I needed to revisit it. And what perfect timing for this week.
It all came back to me with startling freshness. Behold.....
My king, on a donkey.
But allow me to let you read my thoughts from that post in 2009 by starting here, in which I bawled my head off in a big, ugly cry....
And finished here: Zechariah 9:9. Here is a little excerpt:
...the donkey here is significant, not only because Jesus fulfilled this prophecy literally, but because a king riding on a donkey would be a ludicrous sight! Why, his feet would almost drag on the ground as the lowly beast of burden carried him along! A king on a donkey clearly shows that He comes in peace and gentleness. He is down at the level of the people, where they could touch Him and speak to Him, not up on a high horse or imposing chariot. Jesus took the humblest of creatures to make His triumphant entry.
So typical of Him.
He tenderly leads, carefully rules, and graciously uses the lowliest for His glory.
What a King.
Maybe your week is looking like mine: busier than you'd like, and no way to really change that.
Maybe you're trying to get into the spirit of Easter and all the remembrance and holiness stuff, and it's just not working for you.
Let me suggest this: simply meditate on Jesus. See, in your mind's eye, a king on a donkey.
Gentle, righteous and merciful.
Approachable and kind.
Loving, and bringing peace.
This. is our King.
Oh, that we could open our eyes and truly SEE Him.
Behold, your King comes to you.
I'm praying for you this week. I'd love to hear your thoughts on Easter week, and I'd love to know what you think of when you envision your King in this way.
With love,
Rachel
