The Donkey

Daily Gratitude Year 6- Day 85: Today, I am grateful for the symbolism in the donkey.  

I love learning things about ancient Hebrew culture, traditions and the symbolism tied up in words and actions. Learning from Hebrew and Greek lessons always make me say, "Wow". One of those is the symbolism of the donkey. A king who arrived on a donkey came in peace. A king who rode a horse was ready for war. 

“Say to Daughter Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’”-Matthew 21:5

“Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!”-Mark 11:10

The disciples thought Jesus was going to boldly take over as the King of Israel. His mission was a little different than they had expected. This time, he was here to be with us, to know what it was like to be us and to walk in our skin. 

He came the first time as the perfect lamb to make the ultimate sin sacrifice and seal a new covenant that was available to all... Jews and Gentiles. Honestly, that was a little hard for his disciples to swallow, being Jewish. All would be welcome at the Lord's table. But, once they truly understood, they embraced it, taught it and lived it. 

The disciples were accustomed to church rules that basically kept people out if they didn't do everything just right or have a certain pedigree. Jesus blew that out of the water. He went to the hurting wherever they were, no matter their ethnic heritage or address. He respected women and warned that we must care for widows and children. Once they heard The Word speak the words of truth, each would make their personal decision to accept or reject. 

The early church met in homes and wasn't organized. They were a band of people attempting to follow Jesus and his example. Once the church organized... it wasn't long before we began to build doctrinal walls that separate us and keep us from coming together as one body. We still do that today, at times. How that must grieve our Lord. The church is the people. Believers are receivers. We were called to spread the good news and share His Word and His Way. Time continues to draw closer to the second coming. 

I am not super savvy on Revelation. It is prophecy and on the front end of it, I find it as confusing as most... although in recent years, I have spent time reading it. What I do know is that in Revelation, he does not ride a donkey. It is definitely a horse! 

"I looked, and there before me was a white horse! Its rider held a bow, and he was given a crown, and he rode out as a conqueror bent on conquest." -Revelation 6:2

As we war within ourselves and our culture as to who and what to make the Lord of our lives... remember that it is indeed a choice. Offered by one who came in peace... willing to be our sacrifice. And, he rose again. This Holy Week is a wonderful time to take a personal inventory as to who and what will make Lord. Next time, He won't ride a donkey. 

As we reflect on the peaceful entry into Jerusalem, with cries of "Hosanna"... we can choose this day, what we call him. We can be enemies, fans ... or we can call him Lord. 

Today, I am grateful for the symbolism in the donkey.