Day 34
The cross of Christ and the stars and stripes of the American flag, when paired together, make a clear statement, triggering debate and unleashing a tension between faith and national identity. While many view this blend as a patriotic celebration of faith, others believe the clash of these two symbols as an improper merger of the sacred with political nationalism.
While the cross signifies humility and Christ’s ultimate sacrifice on behalf of the world, the American flag is rightly, in my opinion, often used to signify power, strength, and national superiority. But in the combining of these two symbols - the cross and the flag - in church sanctuaries or political rallies, there is a jarring juxtaposition that evokes strong reactions. Some find comfort in this association, while others view it as an inappropriate blurring of sacred and secular.
In today’s reading, two symbols clash - the palms and the donkey. How does Jesus handle this clash? Let’s read and find out.
Read John 12:12-19
Jesus’ triumphal entry, with people waving palm branches to greet him, is celebrated around the world as “Palm Sunday,” which we will celebrate tomorrow. For Jews at this time in history, waving palms was something like waving the national flag. Two centuries before, when the Maccabees were victorious over the Syrian tyrant Antiochus and cleansed the temple, they cut down palms to wave as they made their victory march around Jerusalem. Since then, palms had been a sign of Israelite independence and a memorial of their revolutionary victory. So when the crowds greeted Jesus with palms raised high, quoting from Psalm 118, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord —the King of Israel!” (v 13) they meant, and this is my paraphrase, “Save us, Son of David, lead us to regain our freedom from the Romans, the way the Maccabees led the revolution against the Syrian tyrant! We’re ready to follow you into salvation!”
Honestly, they had good reason to view Jesus as their current hope for deliverance from Roman oppression. They had heard or possibly even witnessed Jesus’ raising of Lazarus from the dead. If Jesus had that kind of power, He must be the prophesied descendant of King David who would kick Rome out and restore independence to their little country. Jesus anticipated that false understanding by choosing to enter on a donkey, reminding them of the peacemaking king celebrated in Zechariah 9:9, in which the prophet Zechariah encourages God’s people to look to the future king who would proclaim peace to the nations and whose dominion would be vast, “Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout in triumph, Daughter Jerusalem! Look, your King is coming to you; he is righteous and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” (Zech 9:9) Jesus answers the palm waving by choosing a donkey, not a warhorse as His vehicle into the holy city.
Tomorrow, as we wave our palm branches in remembrance of Jesus’ Triumphal Entry, let’s keep these clashing symbols in mind.
Big Picture Questions for Today:
* How does today’s devotion sit with you?Are you feeling provoked, even irritated with my take on clashing symbols?
Pray Psalm 118 today, in its entirety. There will be several familiar phrases that will be a source of comfort and peace.
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;his faithful love endures forever.
Let Israel say,“His faithful love endures forever.”
Let the house of Aaron say,“His faithful love endures forever.”
Let those who fear the Lord say,“His faithful love endures forever.”
I called to the Lord in distress;the Lord answered meand put me in a spacious place.
The Lord is for me; I will not be afraid.What can a mere mortal do to me?
The Lord is my helper;therefore, I will look in triumph on those who hate me.
It is better to take refuge in the Lordthan to trust in humanity.
It is better to take refuge in the Lordthan to trust in nobles.
All the nations surrounded me;in the name of the Lord I destroyed them.
They surrounded me, yes, they surrounded me;in the name of the Lord I destroyed them.
They surrounded me like bees;they were extinguished like a fire among thorns;in the name of the Lord I destroyed them.
They pushed me hard to make me fall,but the Lord helped me.
The Lord is my strength and my song;he has become my salvation.
There are shouts of joy and victoryin the tents of the righteous:“The Lord’s right hand performs valiantly!
The Lord’s right hand is raised.The Lord’s right hand performs valiantly!”
I will not die, but I will liveand proclaim what the Lord has done.
The Lord disciplined me severelybut did not give me over to death.
Open the gates of righteousness for me;I will enter through themand give thanks to the Lord.
This is the Lord’s gate;the righteous will enter through it.
I will give thanks to youbecause you have answered meand have become my salvation.
The stone that the builders rejectedhas become the cornerstone.
This came from the Lord;it is wondrous in our sight.
This is the day the Lord has made;let’s rejoice and be glad in it.
Lord, save us!Lord, please grant us success!
He who comes in the nameof the Lord is blessed.From the house of the Lord we bless you.
The Lord is God and has given us light.Bind the festival sacrifice with cordsto the horns of the altar.
You are my God, and I will give you thanks.You are my God; I will exalt you.
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;his faithful love endures forever.
