The Things That Make for Peace is our worship theme for Palm Sunday, March 24, 2013. Our focus scripture is Luke 19:28-48.
This year in Lent we are
exploring the lectionary passages with an eye out to discover foundations of
peace. In this passage Luke tells
the familiar tale of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. The basic elements are all
there. Jesus sends disciples to secure the colt of a donkey. He rides it into
Jerusalem with his disciples praising him. When he reaches the city Jesus goes
to the temple and throws out the money-changers. The powers that be don’t like
it, but they have to move carefully for fear of alienating the crowds who hang
on his every word.
Although the plot is
familiar, Luke adds elements to his tale that set it apart from the other
gospels. As Jesus and the crowd that gathers begin their descent from the Mount
of Olives, all his disciples sing out, “Blessed is the king who comes in the
name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest heaven!” Once
before in Luke’s telling a vast assembly has sung praises at the appearance of
Jesus. It is of course the great chorus of angels who sing to the shepherds “Glory
to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom God favors!”
The child of promise has become the man of the hour, and the destiny of
Jerusalem hangs in the balance as Jesus approaches the city.
Yet Jesus sees what awaits
him in Jerusalem with laser clarity and even sees what will result. Back on the
second Sunday of Lent we saw Jesus in 13:34 grieving over the city, saying “Jerusalem,
Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to
it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers
her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!” Now he pauses to weep
over the city, saying, “If you, even you, had only recognized on this day the
things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. Indeed, the
days will come upon you, when your enemies will set up ramparts around you and
surround you, and hem you in on every side. They will crush you to the ground,
you and your children within you, and they will not leave within you one stone
upon another; because you did not recognize the time of your visitation from
God.”
In Luke’s telling, Jesus’
love for Jerusalem is evident. He goes there to create a chance for the people
he loves to accept God’s gift of the kingdom of heaven. Throughout his ministry
Jesus creates the conditions of the kingdom all around him. In 7:22-23 he tells
John’s followers, “Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind
receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the
dead are raised, the poor have good news brought to them. And blessed is anyone
who takes no offense at me.” There is a life of creative love which includes
everyone regardless of class, race, or religion. If the people can see this
life, they can receive it and the kingdom can dawn. But by now Jesus does not
believe it will happen. Instead he sees ahead 60 years to the time when the
Romans destroy the city and its great temple, tearing down its walls so that
the only remaining structure is the wailing wall that exists to this day.
Yet that life of creative,
inclusive love beckons us still. If we could just see the things that make for
peace. If we could just give up our fears and the greedy selfishness and drive
to power that they propel. If we had faith in Jesus the size of a mustard seed.
If…
Here are two Calls to
Worship based on Psalm 24 and Psalm 118:1-2, 19-28. Please use or adapt
anything helpful to you.
Call
to Worship “The Rightful King Appears”
(from Psalm 24)
L: The earth
is God’s creation. Everything in it belongs to God!
P: Who,
then, may climb God’s holy mountain?
Who may stand in God’s holy house?
L:
Those with pure hearts and clean hands.
Those who won’t worship idols, who don’t
lie to themselves.
P: God will
bless them. They will enter God’s presence.
L:
Open up, ancient doors! Open up, Holy Gates!
P: Your
rightful King is coming! Your Mighty God awaits!
L:
Open up, ancient doors! Open up, Holy Gates!
P: Prepare
the way for the King of Glory!
Prepare the way
for the God of all the angels!
All:
God is here! Let us worship God!
Call to Worship From Psalm
118:1-2, 19-28
L:
Hosanna in the highest!
Blessed is the one who comes in the name
of the Lord!
P: Open the gates of justice!
Let us enter and offer the Lord
our thanks!
L:
This gate leads to the presence of the Lord!
Those who do right shall enter!
P: Praise God for answering our prayers
and paving the way to salvation!
L:
The stone that the builders tossed aside has become the cornerstone!
P: This is the Lord’s doing and it is
wonderful to see!
L:
This day, the Lord has made! Let us rejoice and be glad in it!
P: Start the celebration! March with
palm branches up to the altar!
L:
The Lord is our God! Let us offer God thanks and praise!
All: Hosanna in the highest!
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
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