Unwelcomed Guest

George sat in his home all alone staring blankly at the wall in front of him. Once a week, his neighbour, Phil, from down the street would come by like clockwork. Phil would check in to make sure George was doing okay and would root through the fridge and cupboards looking at George’s food situation, throwing out the old stuff, making note of what was required. He would then proceed to change the linens on George’s bed, fire up the washing machines and then head off to the market to fill the orders. When the groceries were put away, the laundry was all folded and a good supper was prepared, Phil would sit around and chat with George for a bit longer and then head home after the dishes were done.

If you asked George about these visits, he would tell you that they were a nuisance. Phil would come in giving lame advise, talk about gibberish, butt in where he shouldn’t and poke his nose into places he aught not to. He would often complain, “Phil, get your hands off my dirty laundry – can’t a guy have some privacy?” but Phil would just keep on going about what he was doing. If you asked Phil why he kept going back he would tell you it was fulfill a promise. You see George was married to Phil’s sister and when she was about to pass, she asked Phil to watch over and protect George and to pray for him always because she wanted him in heaven with her. Phil faithfully took care of George and every week not only reminded George about how much God loved him but also showed the love of God by staying by his side.

The people of Jerusalem rejoiced when Jesus road into town on a donkey but there were those who were not at all pleased with Christ entering the Holy City to shouts of Hosanna, in fact, they were incensed. “Who is He to come into our city and pretend to be who He is?” Yet Christ returned and His return that day was not just for those who laid palm branches and jackets in His path but also for those who had yet come to believe in His divinity. For the Pharisee, Christ was the unwelcomed gift. He came to feed those in need. He fed them food for their souls, He came to cleanse them of their dirty laundry and make them clean and yet they still grumbled. They plotted to destroy Him and yet He came.

Palm Sunday is the joyous celebration of the return of the King of kings to the Holy City, the city of peace, Jeru-salem. We invite you to join us either in person, online after the service at www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.ca (online message tab) or on Facebook live starting at 11:00 MST at https://www.facebook.com/todd.macdonald.3158 . Hope to see you there.

Shalom

Pastor Todd

 Bonus Picture from Monday’s Fellowship Adventure