Dear Friends,

Have you ever been in a crowd that got caught up in celebration? Maybe you’re at a ballgame and your team wins in the clutch. Even if you’re a somewhat passive fan, in that moment you probably find yourself standing and cheering, high-fiving your neighbor and posting a quick selfie of joy.

I imagine that when Jesus came into Jerusalem even those who were passive spectators could have easily been caught up in the celebration. Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! It may have been so encouraging to those who were desperate for a Savior; in their lives, their situations and their world.

This Sunday we gather to encourage each other and corporately lift our voices to shout Hosanna! to our Lord. We will be hearing testimonies of faith; stories of God’s deliverance and kindness to those who call on Him. Often our gatherings encourage us. But it’s not meant for just the moment. It is another building block of our faith, meant to help us go the distance. And not merely so we can get to the finish line, but that we can grow in our faith in a way that impacts those coming behind us. Our lives are our testimonies of death to life. Our worship is to the One who brought us back to life, even as we are reminded that shortly after the crowds cheered Him, they soon jeered Him to the point of the cross. But we come together knowing that we serve a risen Savior who brings forgiveness and purpose to His beloved children. Let's bring hearts of worship and be ready to hear what God did, does, and will do. Hosanna!