Handel’s Messiah, while often played at Christmas, is actually an Easter celebration. The Halleluiah Chorus was written to proclaim Christ’s resurrection from the dead. I like hearing this music all year long. It is a glorious reminder of the power of music to move us to worship and praise for the King of Glory.

Another inspiring movement from Messiah, is “Lift Up Your Heads, O Ye Gates.” The words are taken from Psalm 24. It is a stirring composition that reminds us of Christ’s triumphal entrance into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. Although the original psalm was written centuries before Jesus rode a donkey into the Holy City, it foreshadows that fateful ride. It also asks a critical question: “Who is this King of Glory?”

The original psalm may have been written to commemorate David’s return of the Ark of the Covenant and its placement in Jerusalem. The Ark being the place where God lived. There is wonderful symbolism to have the Ark finally in Jerusalem, juxtaposed with Jesus’ return to the same city.

Here’s what has always troubled me. How could the people turn so suddenly against Jesus? He went from Palm Sunday, where He was hailed as the King of Glory to martyrdom at the end of that week.

I can remember my first childhood memories of this event. I was so happy to see that the people of Israel had recognized their Savior. I was so dismayed to learn of the betrayal, arrest, trial and crucifixion on the following Friday. And every year, when we read the Palm Sunday passages of triumph followed by the Passion readings of death, I would pray that the end result would be different.

Are we any different today than the Jewish people of Jesus’ time? When our lives are going well, we sing loud and beautiful praises to our God. When bad things happen in our lives, we rail and turn against the King wanting our way and nothing less.

On this Palm Sunday, remember Christ’s ride into the city as a precursor to the suffering and death He endured for us because He loves us – always has and always will! He is the King of Glory! The Lord of Hosts! The God who loves you unconditionally!

Terri

(BTW:  The Ocala Symphony Orchestra and Chorus will perform Handel’s Messiah on Sunday April 24 @ 3PM)