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JESUS HOSANNA!
SATURDAY, AUGUST 30
Matthew 21:14-17, 20-22

Mark 11:19-26

 

“…Hosanna to the Son of David…”

 

JESUS HOSANNA!
 
The authority and power of Jesus as seen in His cleansing of the temple, and healing of the blind and lame caused the children of Israel to cry out again, “Hosanna to the Son of David.” These young ones publicly declared Jesus to be Israel’s Messiah which greatly displeased the chief priests and scribes. Jesus then quoted Psalm 8:2 to shut the disapproving mouths of the religious leaders, “Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise.” If adults who should know better do not know how to praise God, the Lord can cause little children to understand the truth and glorify His name. We must not underestimate the supernatural working of God’s grace in the hearts and minds of covenant children. When Christian parents are faithful to bring up their children in the fear and knowledge of God from the time they are born, God is able to cause them to be born again from a very tender age.
 
The cursing of the fruitless fig tree occurred on Monday. After Jesus cursed it, it began to wither right there and then (Matt 21:19). By Tuesday, it had already shrivelled up to its very roots. The whole decaying process was amazingly quick, as observed by the disciples. This no doubt was due to the supernatural power of Jesus’ words. Then Jesus used this incident to teach His disciples about the power of faith in God. If they had true faith, they could accomplish the impossible. Jesus then told His disciples that they would be doing greater works than He (John 14:12). Indeed, they did! For in the book of Acts, we find them surpassing the Lord in the number of souls saved, and miracles performed (see Acts 2:41; 3:6-9,16, 5:12-16, 9:36-43, 19:11-12).
 
What is true faith? One aspect of true faith is the willingness and eagerness to forgive others. Those who have truly experienced the forgiveness of God would be so filled with gratitude that they would be quick to forgive others too. Those who do not have this forgiving spirit may not be saved in the first place. Jesus warned, “But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.”
 
THOUGHT: “Faith and love is the sum total of godliness.” (Calvin)
PRAYER: Father, may my faith be manifested in my love for Thee and for others.

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