"TRIUMPHAL ENTRY"-LIKE EVENT

Today I witnessed a "triumphal entry"-like event. Months of thought, prayer, and work had gone into it. I also had experienced it years ago. But now I was the witness.

The event was the swearing in of two of my sons, Ezra (26) and Elijah (19), into the Army. Prayer, many questions, Gabe's sacrifice in Iraq, and the hand of the Lord led them to enlist. Our local newspaper did a front page article on them also that you can see it by clicking on http://www.gateline.com/104/story/872.html

Today they entered the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) in Seattle. Over the doors the words "Freedom's Front Door" were emblazoned in large letters. The final swearing in took place in a formal room with military flags and symbols. The young men stood at attention as the sergeant, who amazingly also was in Gabe's brigade, gave a short talk about our freedoms and how good it was to have these young men joining. Then they were sworn in. Finally he shook their hands warmly and thanked them for their service in advance. Nancy and I and the family members present were all very proud. You can see a short video of the event at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ET4XVj1UJEw

But....we all know that this warm reception will quickly end in boot camp when drill sergeants will bark orders and place them under lots of stress. There they will sweat as they run, do many pushups and be treated harshly. But it will be worth it at graduation.

How is this similar to the Triumphal Entry of Christ? On Palm Sunday Christ rode into Jerusalem as the crowds welcomed Him with jubilant cheers because they saw Him as their Messiah. But one week later these same people booed Him and He was put on trial, scourged and nailed to a cross. Things changed very quickly. But it was necessary for Christ to go through this Passion Week for Him to be our exalted Savior. If you have experienced military enlistment, boot camp and graduation you have experienced the same process in a small way and can identify.

Palm Sunday is March 16. We will relive some of the events of Christ's Triumphal Entry. We will have great music and I will speak on Christ's instructions that speak to us of the critical necessity to have faith that gets us through the difficult times to the final end of life. How is your faith doing these days?

-Pastor Mark

P.S. See below for all the events coming up at Easter.