Sometimes, We Are No Better

Sometimes, We Are No Better

John 12:12-15 The next day a great multitude that had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, and cried out: “Hosanna! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ The King of Israel!” Then Jesus, when He had found a young donkey, sat on it; as it is written: “Fear not, daughter of Zion; Behold, your King is coming, Sitting on a donkey’s colt.” 

The multitude came to honor and worship Jesus. Why? Later in this same chapter we are told that there were many who had been present when Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. The news of what He did had spread, and many of the Jews had now come to receive the One they thought would rescue them from Roman oppression. However, it would not be long after this that these same people would cry out, "Crucify Him!" Why? Because, although they came out to honor and worship Him, and although this fulfilled what was prophesied about His triumphant entry, the people worshipped Him for the wrong reasons. The moment He did not deliver them in the manner in which they sought, they turned their backs and consented to His crucifixion. How often have we also become angry with God? How often have we turned from Him claiming that He did not care, or accused Him of abandoning us; simply because He did not resolve a situation the way we expected? Maybe He allowed a painful situation, or seemed to not hear or answer a specific prayer in a specific way. As a result, we allowed the devils to convince us that God had somehow broken His promises. Maybe what we need to do is step back and ask ourselves, "Why do I worship God? What is it that I am seeking from Him? Am I seeking Him to know Him and draw near to Him, or are my motives for seeking Him selfish at heart?" If we seek Him today with the wrong motivation, tomorrow (when things go sideways or the bottom falls out) instead of continuing to worship Him, give Him praise, and offer thanksgiving, we will whine, complain, and become bitter. In the end, we will be no better than those who later cried out, "Crucify Him!"

Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Romans 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive His free gift of salvation today (Romans 10:13).