From 10 centuries before the earthly walk of Jesus, these iconic words expressed the hope of a future Kingdom in which God’s Promised One would arrive in Jerusalem.

Jubilant songs stirred by bold prophetic hopes arose in Psalm 118 as the sweet Psalmist of Israel anticipated a “cornerstone” sent by Almighty God. That “stone” would be planted permanently in the storied surroundings of Zion. A peace that rips evil out of the earth would arise from that cornerstone in the future Kingdom.

Singers and writers for generations realized that future peace could only come when God’s Promised One arrives.

A sense of awe toward God arose from all their hopeful “Hosannas”. But the future peace required a Person. And no one could say who or when or how he would come.

Each Palm Sunday, we find ourselves in our imagination on the cobblestone streets of the ancient holy city where thousands of Passover pilgrims met Jesus of Nazareth, “live” and in-Person!  Hosannas leapt across the hills as throngs of travelers from Galilee pressed in to see him riding a donkey into their midst.

Tourists in modern-day Israel are often surprised by the narrow streets, tight quarters and steep walks that lead from one famous landmark to another. Bethlehem and other points of primary interest are much closer to the Wailing Wall than many first-time visitors had imagined. From another adjacent village, where Mary, Martha and Lazarus lived, the promised Messiah stepped seamlessly from the comfort of a favorite guest house into a high-stakes confrontation with the religious rulers of the nearby temple.

With the “cornerstone” of God’s Kingdom in his very being and the cross upon which he would die looming before him, Jesus brought the Hosannas of many centuries into full bloom. Indeed, it was about him that the psalmist predicted “the stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone” (Psalm 118:22)

In an astounding blend of meekness and majesty, Jesus blessed the children, healed the blind, cleansed the temple and awakened the deepest hopes of Israel, birthing anew the cry of “Save us! Save us NOW!” from the crowds who greeted him.

Only One Supreme Commander could ever hear and answer that cry. Only the Suffering Servant, the promised Messiah. Only in Christ Jesus and for His glory may it be said that  “…unto Him shall the gathering of the people be” (Genesis 49:10b)

So, it is only from Him, through Him and for Him that we exclaim together: Hosanna to our King! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD.

Tomorrow’s worship service is followed by another delightful blessing ~ the Liberty Ladies Luncheon @ 11:45 AM

Join us for Communion in Worship this Good Friday Worship ~ April 18^th @ 7:00 PM

Saturday, April 26^th ~ Liberty Men’s Breakfast Event @ 8:00 ~ 9:30 AM [church fellowship hall]

Here’s a link to attend the Men’s breakfast event. Sign up via the Google doc to join us.

• Live-stream via our Live page.
• Live-stream via our Facebook Live page
• Past services on our YouTube channel
• Audio podcasts