A Cry for Rescue - Your Nightly Prayer - March 29th
A Cry for Rescue
Your Nightly Prayer
By Shea Smith
TONIGHT’S SCRIPTURE
“Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted, 'Hosanna!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” Mark 11:9
SOMETHING TO PONDER
Our verse tonight sits right in the middle of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. “Hosanna” in Hebrew means, “Save, please!” or “Save now!” The crowd was desperate for a king to save them from Roman oppression, and they believed Jesus would do just that. Imagine the sharp contrast Jesus heard as the crowd shouted “Hosanna” to “crucify him!” in just a matter of days (Mark 15:13).
The Israelites assumed Jesus would be a messianic promise from the Lord, but also a king who would politically take over to reign. During that time, Rome ruled politically through military force, and for the Israelites, they faced unbearable taxes, unfair arrests, and extreme religious persecution. They needed a Savior. But their hope was a great rescue from Rome, whereas Jesus had a rescue plan from sin and death. Disappointment, hopelessness, and frustration engulfed the Lord's people, all because Jesus didn’t do what they expected him to do. I can’t help but think of the times that I’ve assumed Jesus would fulfill what I expected him to for me, disappointed because he didn’t do what I expected him to do, only to be blown away at what He was actually trying to do.
This begs the question, “Do I worship him because of who he is or for what I want him to do?” Truthfully, I’ve been in a wilderness season for longer than I want and hear my soul crying, “Hossana, please save me…now!” In my head, I have the perfect rescue plan already mapped for Him! My health would turn around, I’d have a breakthrough, the healing would come, and the good news I’ve been waiting for would come knocking on my door. (Dear Jesus, it really could be that easy! Just say the word! Love yours truly, Shea)
Hope in my outcome is misplaced hope. Hope anchored in God is the only hope. Who He was. Who He is. Who he will be. Our verse tonight reminds us to surrender what we’ve expected Him to do in our lives, how we think it should look, and when it should happen, and actually let God reign. He’s both King and sacrifice. The least we can do is surrender the outcome to His Lordship.
Wherever you are tonight, take a deep breath in and out.
As you breathe in, remember He is good, faithful, and trustworthy.
As you breathe out, release control.
He’s got you!
YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER
Jesus,
Forgive me for the times I’ve expected you to do what I want you to do, in the time frame I thought you should do it, and the way I imagined. I’ve been wrong so many times, and you’ve been so gracious to cover me nonetheless. I’m grateful for the times you didn’t give me what I wanted because you had something so much better in mind for me. I surrender to your great plan. I trust you, and I love you! In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON
1. When you call upon His name, what expectations do you have of Him that need to be surrendered?
2. Reflect upon a time He didn’t give you what you wanted, but instead, His plan was better.
3. “Hosanna” means “Save, please!” Are you asking Him to save you in a place in your life? What would it look like to trust Him in the waiting? Remember, you are dearly loved, and He has not forgotten about you. Indeed, He will save!
Reflect on tonight’s prayer and share how God met you there. Join the Your Nightly Prayer discussion on the Crosswalk Forum.
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/Maria Marganingsih
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