July 6 Untie the Bonds

Luke 19:29-34 As Jesus approached Bethphage and Bethany at the hill called the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples, saying to them, 30 “Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 31 If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ tell him, ‘The Lord needs it.’” 32 Those who were sent ahead went and found it just as he had told them. 33 As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, “Why are you untying the colt?” 34 They replied, “The Lord needs it.”
 
THIS scripture reveals three aspects of God. First, see God’s omniscience. This means he knows all. Jesus knows there is a donkey colt tied at the entrance to Bethany. Second, see God’s planning. Even to this seemingly small detail, God has planned for this colt to be created and in place for his purpose.
    Third, see God as commander. He must be obeyed in the simplest to the largest tasks he gives to you. He commands the disciples to a specific action. Even though Jesus had been walking for the three years of his ministry, he has now commanded something new. They, in turn, readily obey to prepare for Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem.
    Yes, I have heard people ask of this account, “Are they stealing the colt? Is Jesus, as a man, pridefully presuming he can have anything he wants when he wants it?” But let’s remember. As we mentioned in previous lessons, Jesus is very popular among the Jews’ general population. People such as the colt’s owner would be eager to help when he heard, “The Lord needs it.” The man would have been honored to offer his possession to help the Lord. Consider how you would respond if someone you honored said, “I need your car.” Most of us would generously help such a friend or high-ranking person. Jesus’ reputation has prepared the colt’s owner to generously help the Lord.
    In summary, from eternity past the omniscient God planned for the disciples and the colt’s owner to obey his command as a stepping stone to your salvation. 
    Now consider your response. Are you listening to the details your omniscient Lord has planned for your life with him? Through the Bible, your gifts and people in your church encouraging you, do you hear the Lord say, “Untie your fear and your uncertainty. Come follow me. When someone asks, ‘Why are you doing this?’ Tell him, ‘The Lord has sent me.’”
    Each time the Lord speaks, we must faithfully listen and obey. He has plans for his kingdom. They include you if you listen and go, even when he’s telling you there is something new you must do.
 
Prayer: Humble my heart, Lord. Grow my love for you that I would untie from my life the bonds that keep me from serving you. Amen.