One of the readings today, Palm Sunday, was from Luke 19, the story of the Triumphal Entry of the Savior into Jerusalem. There is a passage in that reading so special to me, and I'll tell you why:
Back in 2002, Justin and I went ahead of my former spouse to WI for Christmas. I remember sitting on the floor in Mom's guest room and doing my gift wrapping. Already then I had my gifts purchased online and shipped directly to Mom's which saved the carrying of them, etc. But, that meant dedicating a good portion of time to wrapping in one fell swoop. Justin must have been in the living room or was perhaps off with someone in the family, but I know I was alone. All of a sudden the portion of Scripture crossed my mind, guess I was thinking about Timmy, this being only our 2nd Christmas without him. "...the Lord hath need of him."
This reference is, of course, about the donkey for Christ to use for His entry to Jerusalem, but I found it particularly comforting when thinking about Timmy and they reason he was called home. "The Lord hath need of him." I wept as I wrapped, thinking about it, and do recall giving my pastor/friend a call to talk to him about it. I was so glad to have the privacy as I sobbed this out because I was trying hard to not bring down the mood for the holiday. The passage brought/brings such great comfort. On Good Friday, another such passage will be read, which I cherish:"...today thou shalt be with me in paradise." What comfort this sweet sentence gives!
One of our communion distribution hymns today was "I Lay My Sins on Jesus" which I really like, even though it breaks the 'rule' of: "If it's about me, it's not about Thee." The fourth stanza is the one which gets to me where we sing how we long to be like Jesus and then long to be with Jesus:
I long to be with Jesus,
Amid the heavenly throng;
To sing with saints His praises,
To learn the angels' song.
We also sang another favorite, "Jesus, Thy Blood and Righteousness", the 2nd stanza my favorite. Such good hymns again today!
