Sermons

Ride on Ride On in Majesty!

H. H. Milman, the writer of hymn #99 (A&M) of which the title of this article bears, captures so well the Palm Sunday event. Of course, Palm Sunday is the day on which Jesus entered Jerusalem where people with palm branches greeted him as the son of King David (or the next successful King!). Verse #2 of Milman's hymn presents us with a paradox or contradiction, as if were of Jesus' mixed reception:

Ride on, ride on in majesty!
In lowly pomp ride on to die
O Christ, Thy triumphs now begin
O'er captive death and conquered sin

The people longed for a redeemer King who would destroy all of their enemies and return the People of God to those glorious days of King David. Jesus was the answer to their prayers but his approach was different, albeit extremely effective and successful! Jesus success would supercede all the King David did but in a way that the people back then did not expect.

• Instead of a horse of a reigning monarch he Rode a donkey
• Instead of a 'red carpet' treatment palm branches paved the way!
• Instead of Royal subjects, he had lowly disciples!
• Instead of a crown of jewels, he would soon wear a crown of thorns!
• Instead of being elevated on a throne, He would soon be elevated on the cross!

Although the crowd shouted majestically, "Hosanna (save us now!) Son David!," Jesus rode in lowly pomp (or procession) to the way that would lead to his death. At this point, Jesus' triumph as the true King had begun and in a few short 'holy' days, He would conquer death and sin on the cross. As we are aware, the shouts of joy for Jesus turned into shouts of another kind, "Let him be crucified!"

This Palm Sunday, we as Christians of this present age, must look at the true meaning of carrying palm in procession. Palm or olive branches are signs of peace and signify Christ's victory over the powers of evil and hypocrisy. These blessed palms are also reminders of Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem despite the insincerity of the crowd.

We can truly say of our Lord, our King, and our God... Ride on, Ride on in Majesty ... We Know and appreciate what you have done for us!