Extravagant Praise
The Sunday before Easter is traditionally known as ‘Palm Sunday’ as we commemorate Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. It is a day of celebration and joy as Jesus receives extravagant praise. The four Gospels tell us that as Jesus rode into Jerusalem a large crowd had gathered to give him a triumphant welcome. They placed their garments and leafy branches on the road and shouted “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord” (John 12:12-13). Matthew’s account adds that, “The whole city was stirred!” (Matt. 21:10) and that children praised Him in the temple shouting “Hosanna to the Son of David!” (Matt. 21:15-16).
As we reflect on this extravagant praise offered to Jesus on the very first Palm Sunday, I’m caused to wonder: Do we offer extravagant praise to Jesus, our Saviour and King?
Maybe because of a challenge or struggle you are going through right now you find it difficult to praise Jesus? The Bible encourages us to put on a “garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair” (Isaiah 61:3). Maybe because of the busyness and stress of life you haven’t found the time to praise Jesus? The Bible tells us that “Our soul finds rest in God alone; our hope comes from Him” (Psalm 62:5). Maybe you feel estranged and distant from God and find it difficult to know how to praise Him? The Bible says, “Ask, and it shall be given to you; seek, and you will find, knock, and it will be opened to you” (Matthew 7:7). Maybe you are in a place where you feel safe and secure in the Lord, you find strength in His presence and you resonate with the words of Psalm 84: “My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God” (v.2).
This week, as we approach Easter, we all have a wonderful opportunity to honour God and to offer praise to Him through our five-day ‘Prayer & Fasting’ journey. Let me encourage you to put aside anything that might discourage you and join us for this meaningful opportunity to seek God.
We have produced a booklet that will guide you through the week, and which provides the following answers and resources:
- What is fasting?
- How we should fast?
- Why do we fast?
- Daily Bible reading and meditation
- Daily prayer points
- Daily suggestions of songs to listen too
- Daily activities for the whole family
Our prayer is that during this journey your love for Jesus will deepen, your faith in Him will strengthen, and your hope in who He is and what He has done for you personally will result in extravagant praise. Finally, we invite you to join us for an evening of Worship & Prayer on Wednesday the 17th of April, 7pm in the Youth Shed.
For His glory,
Emma
