Royal Welcome

Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion!
Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem!
See, your king comes to you,
righteous and having salvation,
gentle and riding on a donkey,
on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

I will take away the chariots from Ephraim
and the war-horses from Jerusalem,
and the battle bow will be broken.
He will proclaim peace to the nations.
His rule will extend from sea to sea
and from the River to the ends of the earth.
[Zec 9:9-10]

Jesus came in peace as the prophesied Messiah. He rode in on a gentle donkey, bringing salvation.

He knew He came to a fickle crowd that would turn on Him in a matter of days. But today He was welcomed and celebrated in a grand victory parade.

"To wave a palm branch in first-century Palestine would be like waving the Stars and Stripes in colonial Boston or shouting "Remember the Alamo!" in old Texas."

~Thomas G. Long

The Hope of the Ages had finally arrived. Jesus was finally receiving the honor He was due (although short-lived).

Today, also is a day to celebrate Jesus. To lift up our Hosannas and declare Him King.

All glory, laud, and honor
To Thee, Redeemer, King,
To whom the lips of children
Made sweet hosannas ring;
Thou art the King of Israel,
Thou David's royal Son,
Who in the Lord's name comest,
The King and blessed one!

~Theodulph of Orleans

Come, Lord, enter our hearts as we raise our palms of worship. We crown You King. We praise You with Hosannas, for You did come to save. May all glory be Yours forevermore. Amen

When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen:

"Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!"
"Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!"
[Lk 29:37-38]