Protestors vs. Pursuers
Protestors – Part 1

Scripture Reading: Matthew 21:6-11

Key Verse: Matthew 21:9

The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest!”

When we read the story of Jesus entering Jerusalem, it seems the multitudes were on His side.  This crowd was laying their cloaks on the road and cutting palm branches to put on the road for Him to ride over.  Jesus was not fooled into thinking that the majority of these were truly seeking Him.  The truth is they were protesting Rome.  The majority of this crowd simply wanted relief from Roman rule.  They were not truly for Jesus, they were simply against Rome!  They were hoping Jesus would rise up and destroy the Roman occupation of their land.

            Down through the ages we see similar motivations around Christianity.  We read of movements in the name of Christianity but they are more about protesting some perceived evil than seeking after the kingdom of God.  In modern times we see some trying to tie God and the Tea Party movement together.  God is not seeking a movement or an army of protestors.  God wants people who will pursue Him.  If we want to protest government, that is fine, but let’s not forget what the kingdom of God is all about.  The kingdom is about eternal values being lived out in everyday life.  The kingdom is about spiritual redemption, not social reform.  (Continued)

Father, grant me wisdom to seek your truth and put your kingdom first in my life!  I pray in Jesus’ name, amen.