April 9th, 2025
The Upward Look, by Jon Forrest
Good News and Bad News about Palm Sunday
Ralph and his friend George went golfing together one Saturday morning as they had for 24 years. They were fanatics about their golf game. Later that day, Ralph returned home completely exhausted and plopped down in his easy chair. His wife was quite concerned since he was more exhausted than usual after his Saturday golf game.
She asked him if something went wrong with the game. He replied, "No, I had the best game in years!
As a matter of fact, I started out the first three holes at 4 under par, including a hole-in-two on the 3rd." "So why are you so worn out?" she asked. "Well, George had a heart attack and died on the 4th hole."
"What? Are you so exhausted from trying to save him?" He said, "No, honey, it was quick and there was nothing anyone could’ve done. BUT AFTER THAT, IT WAS JUST HIT THE BALL, DRAG GEORGE, HIT THE BALL, DRAG GEORGE..."
The good news is: Ralph had a great game of golf! The bad news was George--Dead and dragged all over the golf course!
When Jesus rode into Jerusalem it was as if the local team had just won the Super Bowl. Ancient historian, Josephus, says that there could have been very nearly 3 million people in town that day, celebrating the coming of the Messiah. Imagine the exuberance as people were throwing palm branches and coats in the pathway of Jesus of Nazareth as he rode the donkey colt. They were crying out things like, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” or “Hosanna” (meaning save us, Lord) or “Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!” These were praises to the anointed one of God for whom their people had been expecting to come for centuries.
Sadly, about 4 days later the same people were crying out for his blood. He would be beaten, mocked, humiliated, stripped of his garments and crucified naked on a cruel cross. Face it, people are fickle.
His greatest day of admiration turned into the most painful days ever. But there is better news. Three days later he would turn the world upside down when he rose from the dead, fully alive!
This Sunday is Palm Sunday! We will celebrate our Messiah, Jesus the Christ, the Son of the living God. Come join us as we share a message titled, “Hosanna! The King is Coming!” Bring someone with you to experience a unique presentation of the Gospel.
Hosanna!
Jon
Good News and Bad News about Palm Sunday
Ralph and his friend George went golfing together one Saturday morning as they had for 24 years. They were fanatics about their golf game. Later that day, Ralph returned home completely exhausted and plopped down in his easy chair. His wife was quite concerned since he was more exhausted than usual after his Saturday golf game.
She asked him if something went wrong with the game. He replied, "No, I had the best game in years!
As a matter of fact, I started out the first three holes at 4 under par, including a hole-in-two on the 3rd." "So why are you so worn out?" she asked. "Well, George had a heart attack and died on the 4th hole."
"What? Are you so exhausted from trying to save him?" He said, "No, honey, it was quick and there was nothing anyone could’ve done. BUT AFTER THAT, IT WAS JUST HIT THE BALL, DRAG GEORGE, HIT THE BALL, DRAG GEORGE..."
The good news is: Ralph had a great game of golf! The bad news was George--Dead and dragged all over the golf course!
When Jesus rode into Jerusalem it was as if the local team had just won the Super Bowl. Ancient historian, Josephus, says that there could have been very nearly 3 million people in town that day, celebrating the coming of the Messiah. Imagine the exuberance as people were throwing palm branches and coats in the pathway of Jesus of Nazareth as he rode the donkey colt. They were crying out things like, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” or “Hosanna” (meaning save us, Lord) or “Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!” These were praises to the anointed one of God for whom their people had been expecting to come for centuries.
Sadly, about 4 days later the same people were crying out for his blood. He would be beaten, mocked, humiliated, stripped of his garments and crucified naked on a cruel cross. Face it, people are fickle.
His greatest day of admiration turned into the most painful days ever. But there is better news. Three days later he would turn the world upside down when he rose from the dead, fully alive!
This Sunday is Palm Sunday! We will celebrate our Messiah, Jesus the Christ, the Son of the living God. Come join us as we share a message titled, “Hosanna! The King is Coming!” Bring someone with you to experience a unique presentation of the Gospel.
Hosanna!
Jon
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