The King Humbly Comes
Jesus entered the city on a donkey. Let that sink in for a minute. Not a horse, or a chariot or a grand beast like an elephant. But a donkey. A lowly animal only good for hauling goods.
What a beautiful reminder this is of WHY he came. He came humbly because it is what our hearts need. Our broken, sinful hearts are corrupt and need His mercy, forgiveness and peace.
Jesus riding a donkey is a beautiful example of Jesus coming in love, not in judgment. We are forever thankful for Jesus’ service and humility to heal our broken hearts.
Here is today’s sermon text from Matthew 21,
Now when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will send them at once.” 4 This took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet, saying,
5 “Say to the daughter of Zion,
‘Behold, your king is coming to you,
humble, and mounted on a donkey,
on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’”6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt and put on them their cloaks, and he sat on them. 8 Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!”
Click here for this week’s bulletin or scroll past the Announcements to view it.
Announcements
Voters Meeting. The next meeting will be held Sunday, December 13th at 3pm via Zoom. Election of 2021 Officers and Adoption of Budget are the agenda. Contact Pastor for Zoom info.
Advent Midweek Services. Due to the pandemic, midweek services will ONLY be posted online.
Our doors are open. We are holding the Divine Service again and it is a delight to see familiar faces. Please come prepared with a face mask or covering and new rules to follow. There will NOT be Sunday School but we will continue to hold the Divine Service at 11 am. You can read the full policy here. Another post covers the highlights.
Wednesday Bible Study – JOIN US. We meet via Zoom at 7 pm. Contact Pastor Jenson for the Zoom information.
Donations: Unfortunately the expenses go on. If you wish to make a donation please mail them to the St. James Post office box as that is a secure location.
Prayer requests. Bring your prayer requests to Pastor Jenson, Deacon Poe, or Loyd Harris (bulletin typist). They will printed in the bulletin and prayed in the Sunday service. The deadline is Tuesday for mailing on Wednesday. Remember if you are bringing a prayer request on behalf of another person their permission must be obtained.
Prayer during a pandemic:
Almighty God, heavenly Father, give us grace to trust You during this time of illness and distress. In mercy put an end to the pandemic that afflicts us. Grant relief to those who suffer, and comfort all that mourn. Sustain all medical personnel in their labors, and cause Your people ever to serve You in righteousness and holiness; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.