April 13 Lenten Devotional "From Hosanna to Crucify"

OPENING PRAYER. . .Loving God, Creator of all that is, here I am--today in this place that you have given me, with all the senses you have given me. Help me to use them to experience you on a deeper level. May I experience you all around me, open me to know more of your ways and know that your goodness surrounds me. Thank you for this time to be with you and to just listen. Amen

LISTEN. . ."The governor said to them,   “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” asked the governor.  “Barabbas,” they answered.  “What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called the Messiah?” Pilate asked. They all answered, “Crucify him!”   “Why? What crime has he committed?” asked Pilate. But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify him!” (Matthew 27:21-23)

CONSIDER. . .Jesus rode into Jerusalem with the people lining the road, shouting his praises. A short time later, they were shouting for him to be crucified.  Obviously their praise for Jesus as he entered Jerusalem was shallow--they possessed a casual, not a committed faith.

SO WHAT. . .Are we like the people in Jerusalem, cheering Jesus one minute and then yelling crucify him the next? Or in other words, opening our hearts ever so briefly for Him and then turning our backs the immediately. We are content to have a shallow faith many times, one that is casual and uncommitted.

• "I'll come to church and worship God". . . when it's convenient, "but please don't ask me to go deeper by studying the Word or really getting involved in Christ's ministry".
• "Ill come to church and worship God". . . when it's convenient, "but don't expect me to allow Christ to transform me or change me."
• "I'll come to church and worship God". . . when it's convenient, "but please don't ask me to love "those people".

It's Holy Week, have you allowed Christ to transform you during this Lenten season? Don't let up now, push yourself to go deeper.

PRAYER. . .Dear God, fill me with a deep desire to live by your words to love others. Help me to understand that going to church is not a casual commitment but an opportunity to go deeper and to grow stronger in my faith. Show me how to truly open my heart to your love and refuse to be a part of the crowd yelling "crucify, crucify".  Amen.