He’s Just a Stubborn Donkey
That’s what I said when I tried to move Bryson’s donkey away from the stable door. He wouldn’t budge. But, NOT this donkey that I’m speaking of today. Happy Palm Sunday! Today, we celebrate our Lord’s triumphant entrance into Jerusalem where He was welcomed by crowds praising and worshipping Him and laying down palm leaves to honor Him. The palms, the hosannas, the worship and praise is what we hear about the most on Palm Sunday – the week before Resurrection Sunday.
Recently I watched a video of Corrie Ten Boom who was a beautiful woman of God who helped many Jews escape the Nazi Holocaust during World War II by hiding them in her home. She was once asked if it was difficult for her to remain humble after she became famous and had many media appearances and book signings. Her reply was simple: “When Jesus rode into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday on the back of a donkey, and everyone was waving palm branches and throwing garments onto the road, and singing praises, do you think that for one moment it ever entered the head of that donkey that any of that was for him?” She continued, “If I can be the donkey on which Jesus Christ rides in His glory, I give Him all the praise and all the honor.”
Thank you, dear Corrie, for my inspiration today. I’d like to add some focus on the donkey who was Jesus’ special “ride” into Jerusalem. That little donkey did what he could do. His greatest calling in life was to answer the invitation of the Master when He called, “I have need of him!” He was a “limo” for the King. He was only a donkey, but he did what he could do!
In my little space and place, I am honored and blessed to be my Lord’s “donkey” as I carry Jesus into the world in my meager ways. As I type yet another blog for this Palm Sunday, I hope that I am a vessel for God’s use to share about His Son and the beauty of knowing Him in a personal way. This God-Man, Jesus, didn’t come riding in on a King’s chariot or a stream-lined jet like kings today, but on a donkey. I don’t think that donkey was stubborn as the typical trait of donkeys might be. I suspect that the donkey who carried Jesus was submitted and surrendered to God’s will.
In the deepest part of my being, I know that God will use whatever and whoever yields themselves for His honor and glory. As I think about that donkey and how the Master called upon Him, my hand is raised as I ask Him to pick me, too! My desire is to carry Him into the world, and for that I am grateful. Could that be your desire, too? Then join me in this prayer.
Heavenly Father, please help us stay humble as we carry You into the world and go wherever You lead us. Help us listen carefully for Your voice and treasure Your Word. May we adamantly refuse to go our own way, doing and saying what seems so right to us, but rather trust You fully. Help us always be quick to point back to You and Your saving grace in our lives and redirect all the glory to You and You alone! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.