Devotional 4-11-11

The Brother With the Donkey


Matthew 21:1-11

“Go to the town you can see there. When you enter it, you will quickly find a donkey tied there with its colt. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone asks you why you are taking the donkeys, say that the Master needs them and he will send them at once.”

I love Holy Week and I love this story. I love a parade. And this was the beginning of a parade for Jesus. A few weeks ago I was in New Orleans for a church conference, and I saw two parades -- one in downtown New Orleans and another in Biloxi, Mississippi. They both were wonderful. I loved them both. I thought about all of the preparation it took for the bands to practice and people to build the floats. I thought about where this brother had met Jesus before this day.

How did you know? How did you know it was Jesus who needed a donkey? Did you have a vision? Did an angel appear in a dream? Was it hard to give? Was it difficult to give something for him to use? Did you have any idea that your generosity would be used for such a noble purpose? Did it ever occur to you that God was going to ride your donkey? Were you aware that all four Gospel writers would tell your story? In making such a request, Jesus is claiming to be king.

It could be that God wants to use your donkey during this Lenten season and enter the walls of another heart, another city, another community or another nation. Will you let him? Will you give it? Or will you hesitate?

That brother who gave Jesus the donkey is just one in a long line of folks who gave little things to a big God. Scripture has quite a gallery of donkey-givers. In fact, heaven may be a hall of fame to honor God’s uncommon use of the common.

It’s a place you won’t want to miss. Look through and see Joseph’s coat, Rahab’s rope, Paul’s bucket, David’s sling, and Samson’s jawbone. Put your hand around the staff which split the sea and smote the rock. Sniff the ointment which soothed Jesus’ skin and lifted his heart. Blessed is he or she who comes in the name of the Lord.

Rev. Jeremiah Jasper