Palm Sunday, Can You Imagine?

Yesterday was Palm Sunday. It celebrates the day Jesus triumphantly enters the city of Jerusalem. Also, it is one week before Easter. Here in Southern Indiana it was a beautiful day. The sun was shining, the blue sky had a few puffy white clouds, and the wind would have been perfect for a kite. The weather seemed to be celebrating, too.

Scripture tells us that Jesus rode into the city on a young donkey. The streets were lined with people who threw clothes and palms or small branches, in front of him as a sign of homage and respect. This was what people did for kings. They were treating Jesus like royalty. Using palm branches symbolized peace and victory. Jesus was coming in peace, triumphantly. The crowd of people shouted “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.”
Can you imagine what it was like to be in that crowd? Jesus had come to save the lost, to secure their eternal life and salvation. He was the Messiah. Hearts must have been beating wildly at the anticipation of seeing him. Thoughts must have been running all over wondering what to do – stand, bow, wave, kneel. Tears surely filled many eyes. How amazing it must have been to see Jesus. He was the one that raised the dead back to life and healed the sick. He was the teacher everyone spoke of so highly. Jesus changed lives. Jesus was God’s Son. What would we have done in that crowd?

It makes me think of Heaven and what we will do when we see Jesus. Like the Mercy Me song:

I can only imagine what it will be like
When I walk, by Your side
I can only imagine what my eyes will see
When Your face is before me
I can only imagine, I can only imagine
Surrounded by Your glory
What will my heart feel
Will I dance for you Jesus
Or in awe of You be still
Will I stand in Your presence
Or to my knees will I fall
Will I sing hallelujah
Will I be able to speak at all
I can only imagine, I can only imagine
I can only imagine when that day comes
When I find myself standing in the Son
I can only imagine when all I would do is forever
Forever worship You
I can only imagine, I can only imagine

What will you do? Can you imagine seeing Him face to face?

“The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. They took palm branchesand went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the king of Israel!” John 12:12-13