“The crowds that went ahead of Him and those that followed shouted, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David!’ ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ ‘Hosanna in the highest heaven!'” — Matthew 21:9
The Heavenly Parade
Annual community festivals are an enjoyable break from the grind of everyday life. These unifying events feature marching bands and fun contests. Toddlers and teens enjoy seeing shiny cars, high-powered trucks and galloping horses. Various organizations and business groups put together impressive, decorated floats. People of all ages enjoy glad reunions as everyone enjoys the sights, sounds, food and fun.
When Jesus rode on a donkey into Jerusalem, a large crowd gathered. They worshipped and adored Him. The people spread their coats along the road and cut palm branches to spread along the path. “The crowds that went ahead of Him and those that followed shouted, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David!’ ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ ‘Hosanna in the highest heaven!'” (Matthew 21:9).
This great event is celebrated and remembered on Palm Sunday each year, the week before Easter, which we recently celebrated. The grand entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem was a preview of the Heavenly parade in the future because Jesus is the King above all kings and queens. Earthly kings and queens are crowned for a year or a lifetime, but Jesus rules as the spiritual King and Savior forever.
At some point in the future, believers will enjoy an incredible celebration above the clouds. “After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: ‘Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb'” (Revelation 7:9-10).
— Bill Kent, Pastor of Memorial Baptist Church, Sylvania, Ga.
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