Peace on Earth!

This is a close-up of the mural in the church at Bethpage.
You can read the caption below for more information.
An interesting aspect of the mural to note is the disciple
shrouded in a cloak. The artist intended this to represent each of
us as we participate in the celebration of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem.

In my devotional today I learned something new about Jesus' "triumphal" entry into Jerusalem four days before his crucifixion. As many of us have read year after year, Jesus asked his disciples to bring him a donkey for this trek. Here is what I learned. Ty explains that "many have said that the donkey is a lowly creature and Jesus' ride signified again his humility and his never grasping at an earthly title or position" and this would certainly be in keeping with what intuitively has made sense to me over the years and what I have heard others comment about regarding this section. However, Ty explains that "a study of the historical context reveals the donkey (ass, foal, or colt) is really a noble beast and a king might well have ridden on one before a crowd symbolizing, 'I come in peace'. Zechariah foretold of this ride in just such a way (9:9), 'Behold, your king is coming to you... riding on a donkey.' Jesus rode in peace, appealing for a rightful throne, yes; but not a throne of this world, rather to be enthroned in our hearts." The devotional then goes on to reflect on this notion of peace and what this means in our lives. From the earliest public announcement of Jesus' birth with angels proclaiming "Peace on Earth!" to the beginning of the final chapter, the message that Jesus brings us peace is emphasized. Jesus shares in John 14:26-27 that "the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." Peace for our souls, our spirits, our minds, our hearts....

As I seek that kind of peace in my life, where I am truly looking for it? Is it in my possessions, my work, my relationships with friends and family, or my various forms of entertainment? If so, I will always come up empty in the end, because these are all given "as the world gives." Instead, the most important question is if I am seeking true peace from the One who offers it. Am I giving Jesus "the throne of my heart" that He might usher in this peace? Oh, that it be so.

Bethpage is located on the Mount of Olives where Jesus requested the disciples to get him the donkey to ride into Jerusalem on what we now celebrate as Palm Sunday. The church here houses a stone that tradition says served as the spot from which Jesus mounted the colt.