Welcoming Jesus!

While serving as a missionary in Cambodia, a co-worker invited me to his Cambodian friend’s wedding.  He wanted me to meet him there and gave me directions as to where the wedding was in Phnom Penh.  After a bit of searching, I found a wedding.  I entered in and was welcomed immediately.  Food and drink were placed before me.  Conversation with others commenced.  But where was my friend?  Turns out, I was at the wrong wedding!  Still, I was a stranger welcomed right in!

Not everybody knew and recognized Jesus for who he was on that first Palm Sunday some 2000 years ago.  Many lined the streets and worshipped him with shouts of praise and loud “Hosannas” as Jesus entered the Holy City.  Children chanted “Hosanna to the Son of David!”  These people welcomed Jesus right in.  But others were less welcoming.  The Romans were skeptical about Jesus.  The Jewish religious leaders grew indignant towards him.  And many worshipped a false idea of Jesus.

The question is:  Would we welcome Jesus into our midst today without question and for who Jesus truly is?  Remember that many who were shouting “Hosanna” on Palm Sunday were yelling “Crucify Him” on Good Friday.  Welcoming and worshipping Jesus is our theme this Palm Sunday as we continue exploring the marks of true disciples of Jesus.  We’ll especially focus on worship, discovering four key aspects of worship as outlined in the Bible.  Let us worship God in spirit and in truth!

Our Palm Sunday service begins at 10:00 AM, complete with palm branches for all worshippers.  Worship will be Christ-centered.  The message will move your heart and mind.  Visitors will be welcomed.  And, the healing presence of the Holy Spirit will be moving among us.  Children’s Church will also be provided for young children along with a nursery space.  Refreshments will be served for all following worship.  It’s going to be another Spirit-filled Sunday at Grace Church.  Please plan to join us!