I Samuel 7:8
“Then the sons of Israel said to Samuel, “Do not cease to cry to the LORD our God for us, that He may save us from the hand of the Philistines.”
Yesterday was Palm Sunday. This celebrated Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. As he rode, the people cried out, “Hosanna! Hosanna, in the highest!” This means save now. The times had the people frustrated with the oppression of Roman rule. People were angry then, much like they are politically frustrated today. The zealots were seeking to overthrow the Romans. Jesus did “save now”. However, it wasn’t the way of the zealots. There wasn’t the toppling of the Roman government.
Jesus’ method of salvation would be a spiritual one. The ruling structure of each individual falls, as one submits to Christ. We now call Him Lord. This secures eternal salvation and begins the process of character and lifestyle redemption.
He has done it. He did “save now”. The enthusiasm of the crowds laying down their palm branches was justified. We may be living under an oppressive government, but there is freedom from the fear of death and the power of sin. This is truly good news.
We can still pray for release of the tyranny of government. Today’s passage has the Israelites in a vulnerable place. They cried out for Samuel to pray for God to save them. There are other powers over us that could cause us grief. It may be a boss, an unreasonable teacher or a bully.
God can bring relief. Proverbs 21:1 says, “The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the LORD; He turns it wherever He wishes.” God can change the heart of the oppressor. Pharaoh is the famous biblical example. The Lord increased the pressure until Pharaoh let them go. So God has control over those have power over us.
Lord, thank You for Palm Sunday and that You came to Save. Thank You for our salvation and Your entrance into our lives. Thank You, also for controlling those who have power over us.