LW Baptist

By Rolland Coburn

Pastor

Receiving Jesus as your savior makes all the difference in life. There are different responses to Jesus in history and now, and they result in either personal peace or no peace. The Bible says in John 1:11-12, “He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who receive him, who believe in his name, he gives the right to become children of God.”

Springtime, A.D. 30, Jesus headed to Jerusalem to accomplish his purpose. Jesus would identify himself as Lord and offer peace to Israel as their savior and king. Near Mount Olivet’s hillcrest, he sent two disciples into Bethphage village to bring him an unbroken colt never ridden with instructions to explain, “The Lord needs it.” They went and did so, giving the explanation. Bringing Jesus the colt, they put him on it, saddled on their cloaks.

As Jesus rode downhill toward Jerusalem, people spread him with their coats on the road, confessing him as king. The whole crowd began joyfully praising God loudly for all his miracles they’d seen: “Blessed is the king who comes in the Lord’s name! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”

Religious leaders in the crowd told Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!” Jesus replied, “I tell you, if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.” By this,he meant that his followers were doing the right thing.

The religious leaders’ rejection and unbelief grieved Jesus’ heart. As he neared Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it, saying, “If you only knew today what would bring you peace—but now it’s hidden from your eyes. The days are coming when your enemies will encircle, barricade, hem you in all around, dash you to the ground and your children, not leaving one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.” The judgment fell 40 years later, in AD 70, Jerusalem’s destruction. Christ’s coming as Jesus of Nazareth was the greatest fact of all history. That was the only way to reconcile us to God and bring forgiveness and peace. But it is hidden from our eyes when sin blinds us.

Jerusalem’s fall was temporal judgment. To disregard the salvation God’s son offers you in himself is to remain in your sins with no escape from eternal punishment. We must realize now, before it’s too late. Believers rejoice, resting in Christ’s atoning blood, facing the past, present and future assured of Christ’s great love. And to those who have not believed, the invitation is still open.

LW Baptist Church meets Sundays at 9:30 a.m. in the Amphitheater.