Easter Plans
They walked with him for three years and each had plans of where it was all going. His many references to a kingdom spurred thoughts of overthrowing the current regime and freeing their people from its tyrannical grip. Several entertained thoughts of position and rank in that kingdom. Others were occupied with the method of bringing his kingdom into power. One thought only of the money.
None comprehended their Leader’s plan.
His “Triumphal Entry” into the capitol most likely had each of his followers pumped. By then his power was widely known by the people and greatly feared by the clergy. This is it, they might have thought, now we’re taking over and setting it all straight.
Proof of his master plan was all around them: he rode in on a donkey, as a king. Masses surrounded him with shouts of honor; waving palm branches in hands he had healed to praise him. Cloaks were thrown down in front of him in a royal path to the temple – but when he arrived, plans changed.
Instead of using his awesome power to overtake the city, Jesus rushed through the outer courts of the temple in Jerusalem in a mad rage. Thrusting tables into the air, coins dropped out of the sky like rain, provoking screams from temple vendors. The ruckus infiltrated the inner courts drawing out priests and scribes. Peering between columns, they spied the one who they had been plotting to seize.
That public display and outburst by the Master preceded his bone-chilling apocalyptic prophecies, an unforgettable Passover meal and a heinous crucifixion. So horrific was this turn of events, his followers scattered, shocked and confused.
Plans changed.
More precisely, their plans changed.
It’s April and I’m pondering this aspect of the Easter story in the context of my own life. I had plans. I followed Christ, but the life I live now I couldn’t have imagined back when I had those plans.
It dawns on me that he had other plans and now I understand that those who walked with Jesus experienced changes to their plans as well.
Outcomes are God’s business, I recall hearing in a recent sermon. Many scriptures flow into my head supporting this argument, but one in particular stands out. It is a direct quote from God to the prophet Isaiah, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.” (Isaiah 55:8a ESV)
This confronts me with a choice: struggle to regain control of my plans, or trust God for the outcome.
This is not to say, however, that the scriptures teach that we plan nothing, on the contrary, it is clear that we are wise to do so. Instead, the reminder is that how our plans will transpire, or if they will materialize at all is God’s decision.
The disciples learned this quite abruptly one day when, locked in an upper room, hiding from religious authorities who were seeking to arrest them for allegedly stealing the body of Jesus, their Savior and King walked into that room through a wall.
Instantly, they knew he was who he said was. That moment all their preconceptions of how this whole kingdom thing was going down melted into trust. It was upon that trust that Jesus built his kingdom, “Not by might, not by power, but by My Spirit says the Lord of hosts.” (Zechariah 4:6b NKJV)
Make plans for Easter 09 to trust in the risen Savior!
