Today marks the beginning of the most important week in history--so important we call it "Holy" week!  Nothing in the history of the world ever made more impact than the death and resurrection of Jesus, the Christ.  It all started with "Palm Sunday."  If you're familiar with Jesus' story, you know Palm Sunday gained the name, because as He rode into Jerusalem on that Sunday so long ago, people took off their coats and laid them on the road before Him.  They also cut palm branches and did the same.

For one, brief moment Jesus was recognized for who He was and IS:  The King of kings and Lord of lords!  People shouted, "Hosanna!" (Save now!)  And little did they know that in five, brief days He would do just that.  The salvation Jesus brought came in such an unusual way that those who witnessed it, including His closest friends and followers, thought of it as a massive defeat.  Jesus was dead that day, but I'm getting ahead of the story. (Which happens rather easily when one lives on the resurrection side of history and knows all the major points, including the ultimate victory Jesus won over sin and death!)

But for today, it's Palm Sunday.  It's the day we remember Jesus' humble entrance into Jerusalem and the one time in His life on earth when the crowds acknowledged Him as King.  Some in the crowd still downplayed His role.  The religious leaders called on Him to silence the crowds, to stop their shouts of "Hosanna! Hosanna to the Son of David!"  Jesus' response still gives me chills, "If they remain silent, the stones will cry out!"  Wow! That's impressive.  Jesus' day of being recognized as the Messiah, the Savior, the King WAS going to happen, even if it took nature to do the recognizing.

As you join us for worship at New Life or wherever you plan to worship today, remember: Jesus IS Lord.  He IS the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  He HAS SAVED, IS SAVING and WILL SAVE.  If you aren't part of the crowd celebrating His victory over sin and death, if you aren't one who is living in the same power that brought that victory to Him--the power of the Holy Spirit--why not pause right now and call out, "Hosanna! Lord SAVE me!"  Recognize Him as the Lord of all and the Lord of YOU.  It will be the start of a life-long (and eternity long) transformation that will impact you and everyone around you.  They call it "Holy" week for a reason: Because Jesus IS holy and He marks everything He touches with holiness!  A blessed Palm Sunday to you, and a memorable Holy week.  Jesus is worthy of our worship and praise, and His presence in our lives makes EVERY week a holy week.