By: Juliet Constantine

“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.’ His disciples did not understand these things at first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things were written about Him and that they had done these things to Him.” (John 12:14-16 NKJV)
 

More than 33 years had elapsed, and His people had only then acknowledged and accepted who He really was – their king. As He sat on His makeshift ‘throne’ a donkey’s colt, His disciples were puzzled. They only understood after he was glorified. They all chose to ignore Him. The Church did not accept Him nor did the government of the day. This wasn’t just when He became a grown man. It occurred and continued to occur since His birth.

A King was born and there was no rejoicing, no party, just silence. The angels announced His birth to a group of shepherds as they attended their flocks. They made haste to see Him but nothing is recorded about them seeking Him afterwards. For approximately two years, not even the Church or the government knew that the King of kings lived among them. It was wise men from foreign lands who enquired at Herod’s place: “Where is He that is born king of the Jews? We have seen His star and have come to worship Him!” Still, neither the Church nor the government of the day worshiped Him. Instead, throughout His life, they only sought to kill Him.

Now, five days before the Jewish Passover Festival, they crowned Him King of the Jews. Their long awaited King was here and the multitude made Him feel welcome; but not all wanted Him or proclaimed Him King. The Pharisees and scribes saw Him as a nuisance and longed to get rid of Him. They were jealous that the people favored Him over them. The competition was too much. They had to ‘spoil the ballot’ somehow. But for now, their hands were stayed. Jesus was crowned King and even though His reign would be short lived (although longer than some others recorded in history). He was content on enjoying the moment. The time will come when His reign will not cease. He was patient because His first duty was to be our Lamb, then High Priest, and finally our King.

Like the great multitude of old, we can rejoice that our promised King came. He lived and died; but that’s just the beginning. The grave couldn’t hold Him. He will come again: and this time, we will never part! Are you ready for His return? Do not let the event pass you by. Contrary to popular belief, you will not have a second chance if you are left behind. The King is here. He’s even at the door.

Oh my Father, it will soon be over. Jesus will soon proclaim “it is finished”, and He will return for us: then, we’ll never part again. Please help us to be ready because He’s even at the door. We rejoice to see the day when we will all proclaim, “Our King is here!” In His name we pray, amen.

Copyrighted by Juliet Constantine 2014 (for “Alone With God – Finding Jesus In The Scriptures” Daily Devotional)