Hearing God’s Voice from His Word
James 4:8 says, “Come near to God and he will come near to you.”
Take a moment and turn your attention to God. Tell God that you desire to trust and obey Him. Ask God to speak to you from His word.
Psalm of the Day
Psalm 27:5-6
For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock.
6 Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the Lord.
Read the Entire Psalm
Look at God’s responsibility and the writer’s responsibility. God’s responsibility – keep the writer safe in the day of trouble. God’s responsibility is not to keep the writer from all trouble, but to keep the writer ultimately safe. The writer is safe when he draws near to God, dwelling with God. The writer also says that he will sacrifice with joyful shouts and he will make music. The writer is saying that he is responsible to praise God. If you are in a time of trouble go to Him. Praise God that He ultimately keeps you safe.
SCRIPTURE READING:
Matthew 21:1-11 – New Living Translation
Jesus’ Triumphant Entry
21 As Jesus and the disciples approached Jerusalem, they came to the town of Bethphage on the Mount of Olives. Jesus sent two of them on ahead. 2 “Go into the village over there,” he said. “As soon as you enter it, you will see a donkey tied there, with its colt beside it. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone asks what you are doing, just say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will immediately let you take them.”
4 This took place to fulfill the prophecy that said,
5 “Tell the people of Jerusalem,
‘Look, your King is coming to you.
He is humble, riding on a donkey—
riding on a donkey’s colt.’”
6 The two disciples did as Jesus commanded. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt to him and threw their garments over the colt, and he sat on it.
8 Most of the crowd spread their garments on the road ahead of him, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 Jesus was in the center of the procession, and the people all around him were shouting,
“Praise God for the Son of David!
Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
Praise God in highest heaven!”
10 The entire city of Jerusalem was in an uproar as he entered. “Who is this?” they asked.
11 And the crowds replied, “It’s Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”
Having God’s Ear through Prayer
- Express thanksgiving to God.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal sin to you.
- Confess your sin to Him and receive forgiveness.
(1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sin He is faithful and just and will forgive our sins.”) - Bring your personal requests to God.
(Psalm 62:8 “Pour out your heart before God”) - Pray for someone in your small group.
- Join with others from River and pray for those who do not know God. Ask God to help you see the lost people around you and have compassion for them. Ask God for opportunities to build trust. Ask God to give you opportunities to have gospel conversations.
Living as God’s People by applying the Bible
Scripture Reflection from the Sermon
Just as Israel’s other Kings rode on a donkey to symbolize that they came in peace, Jesus also rode as one who brings peace. Christ’s ride was foretold, but it also pre-figures his future return to earth. Revelation 19:11 “I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war.” This description may not be a literal description of what will happen but it does represent a literal reality which is the reality that Jesus will return. When he returns he will return to judge rather than to bring peace. Are you certain that you have submitted to his authority as King? Have you received the salvation that Jesus purchased for you on the cross? If not, would you turn to him in submission today? If you have submitted to Christ, rejoice because when Christ returns you will be protected. You will be ushered into his Kingdom because you are already a member of his family. Do you know people who are not living under Jesus’ protection? Would you pray for them today? Pray for yourself as well. Pray that you would have a broken heart for the lost, opportunities to share about Jesus’ work, and boldness to share. Jesus’ ride into Jerusalem took place physically in a specific place and time. His return will also be bodily in a place and time, but in a time that we do not know. Pray that many will be ready to receive Him as King.