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Daily Encouragement Net
"Encourage one another daily" (Hebrews 3:13).
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Monday, March 21, 2005

"When We Will Hold Palm Branches"

"After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: 'Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb'" (Revelation 7:9,10).
   
I have always especially liked the special days in the church such as Palm Sunday.  Yesterday my heart was full of gratitude as I gathered with others who are placing their faith in Jesus Christ.  On Palm Sunday we consider the significance of the day that Jesus entered Jerusalem.  Our pastor pointed out that palms were a symbol of triumph and victory. Let us place ourselves on that parade route.  What would we have said and done?  How deep would our convictions have been?  Would we have joined another crowd just days later in crying out, "Crucify Him"? 

Scripture gives us a glimpse of another scene described in Revelation. It's future. The redeemed through the ages will gather and comprise a great multitude that no one can count.  I sure plan to be there! We'll be from every nation, tribe, people and language.

What an incredible sight that will be!  We'll all be together in heaven standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb.  We'll all be dressed in white robes (I guess I'll have to get used to that since I really feel klutzy in a robe).  No tailored suits, "power" ties, designer dresses or peasant's rags.  There will be none of the class pretenses that seem to matter so much on this side. 

And notice especially we'll be holding palm branches just like they did at the Triumphal entry. We will be rejoicing in the ultimate victory!

On the first Palm Sunday the crowds cried out "Hosanna", which means "Save us."  In heaven we will cry out with a loud voice, "Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb." 

Have you made that declaration from your heart?  Are you living according to that declaration today and every day? 


Be encouraged today,


Stephen C. Weber

This week as we especially focus on the sacrificial death of Christ to attain our victory we consider His cross. A friend sent me this interesting picture in an email. I have no idea who designed it or I would give them credit.

Face of Christ and cross
(Open for larger desktop sized image.)

Here's the message that came with it.


IF JESUS HAD AN OBITUARY

Jesus Christ, 33, of Nazareth, died Friday on Mount Calvary, also known as Golgotha, the place of the skull. Betrayed by the apostle Judas, Jesus was crucified by the Romans, by order of the Ruler Pontius Pilate. The causes of death were crucifixion, extreme exhaustion, severe torture, and loss of blood.

Jesus Christ, a descendant of Abraham, was a member of the house of David. He was the Son of the late Joseph, a carpenter of Nazareth, and Mary, His devoted Mother.  Jesus was born in a stable in the city of Bethlehem, Judea.  He is survived by His mother Mary, His faithful Apostles, numerous disciples, and many other followers.

Jesus was self educated and spent most of his adult life working as a Teacher.  Jesus also occasionally worked as a Medical Doctor and it is reported that he healed many patients.  Up until the time of His death, Jesus was teaching and sharing the Good News, healing the sick, touching the lonely, feeding the hungry, and helping the poor.

Jesus was most noted for telling parables about His Father's Kingdom and performing miracles, such as feeding over 5,000 people with only five loaves of bread and two fish, and healing a man who was born blind.  On the day before His death, He held a Last Supper celebrating the Passover Feast, at which He foretold His death.

The body was quickly buried in a stone grave, which was donated by Joseph of Arimathea, a loyal friend of the family.  By order of Pontius Pilate, a boulder was rolled in front of the tomb.  Roman soldiers were put on guard.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that everyone try to live as Jesus did. Donations may be sent to anyone in need.

I enjoy recording music in my small home studio. Last evening a young lady came over to record several songs and one is especially appropriate as we recall God's love this week. This certainly needs an audio engineer to tweak it (it has some distortion I just don't have the skills, patience or probably equipment to get out) but it's got a great message! "For God so loved the world"

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Scripture references are from The Holy Bible: New International Version. © 1984 by International Bible Society; NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission; and the King James Version.
 
Personal Mission Statement: "I am created by God to bring Him glory. Through God's Son Jesus Christ I have been redeemed and I make it my life's goal to please the Lord. My mission in life is to honor God through my faith and obedience and to prepare myself and all whom I may influence for eternity."

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