I hung a palm branch on my front door this year to mark the remembrance of Palm Sunday. That’s the day Jesus entered Jerusalem on His way to the Cross.
On the day He arrived, people waved palm branches and hailed Him as their king.
“They took palm branches and went out to meet Him. They kept shouting: “Hosanna! He who comes in the name of the Lord is the blessed One—the King of Israel!’”
John 12:13, HCSB
But then Palm Sunday gave way to Passion Week.
From the cleansing of the temple and questions from religious leaders to the betrayal of one of Jesus’ own disciples, followed by trials, denials, and finally the Crucifixion, the week spiraled into what looks like one huge mess.
When life feels chaotic or messy, it’s easy to think that something went wrong. Where is God in the novel coronavirus that has quarantined us in our own homes? Why has He allowed this situation to spiral so far out of control?
How to find peace in chaos
It’s helpful to note that Jesus wasn’t dragged, kicking and screaming, into the events of Passion Week.
Instead, He made preparations ahead of time and went there willingly. He wasn’t taken by surprise. Actually, He “laid aside his mighty power and glory, taking the disguise of a slave and becoming like men. And he humbled himself even further, going so far as actually to die a criminal’s death on a cross” (Philippians 2:7-8, The Living Bible).
He was headed straight to the Cross. And all the way there, He was determined, clear-minded, and undeterred by distractions.
The Cross wasn’t man’s idea. It was God’s idea.
And, just as God had planned, the chaos of Passion Week ended in the glory of the Resurrection.
“God raised up the Lord and will also raise us up by His power”
1 Corinthians 6:14, TLB
At the end of the chaos
Sometimes we need to zoom out and see our circumstances in light of God’s greater plan. To us, everything looks like chaos. But even when life feels chaotic, God has a plan that stretches into eternity. He hasn’t left us alone in this mess.
In Christ, God still brings order from chaos, life from death, and glory from tragedy.
Thank You, Lord, for Palm Sunday and the week of chaos that brought about the greatest, most remarkable event the world has ever known. Help us to zoom out and see that, because of Your mercy and great love for us and because of who You are, You’ll ultimately bring something good and glorious from what we’re living through right now.
There is such peace in knowing HE IS RISEN!
Indeed, Vivian! How blessed we are because of Him!❤️