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“Shouts of Praise”

There is a loud declaration of our Lord’s purpose for coming to earth at the triumphal entry. “As Jesus approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives… Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!… Hosanna in the highest!’” (Mark 11: 1, 8 - 10)

Just a few days earlier Jesus declared His mission, “For the Son of Man came to seek and save what was lost.” (Luke 19:10) The word “Hosanna” means “save us.” At that time, “Hosanna” had become a common shout of the Jewish people for the praises of God.

Jesus’ purpose for going to Jerusalem at that time in history was to give His life, to allow His blood to be shed, He became the Paschal Lamb of God. He died to pay for the sins of the world. Think upon that; Jesus knew as He entered Jerusalem, that before the week came to an end, those shouts of “Hosanna” would turn to “Crucify Him!” His death and resurrection makes the way for repentant sinners to be forgiven and receive a fresh clean start before God.

Peter reminds Christians of their mission, they “…are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that [they] may declare the praises of Him who called [them] out of darkness into His wonderful light.” (1 Peter 2:9)

How can Christians proclaim the praises of God? First, we should make a joyful proclamation of who Jesus is. Second, we should tell people who are overcome by their sins how Jesus will not only forgive their sins, but can also break the dominion of sin in their lives through the Spirit of Christ. Thirdly, tell others what Jesus has done for you. In the region of the Gerasenes, as Jesus stepped ashore, he met a demon-possessed man. After casting the demons out of the man, our Lord said, “Return home and tell how much God has done for you.” (Luke 8:39)

The Easter Season is upon us. Christians should be heard giving shouts of praise, not allowing the opinions of others to keep their praises to themselves. They should be telling those bound by sin about the saving power of Jesus Christ, and following the instruction of their Lord.

“Go and tell what God has done!”