Shade Tree Wisdom 3/26/13

          John Muir once said, “I have more than E.H. Harriman (the railroad magnate), for I have all the money I want, and he doesn’t”.

          Palm Sunday begins Holy Week, and this is surely not a time to be talking about having money, or not. It focuses our attention on the gift that faith is. It shows us how badly we miss the mark in our lives because we are sinners.

          That is what the shout Hosanna refers to. Lord, save us. And we do have this great need because we are utterly helpless. The hymn reads:
              “Ye who think of sin but lightly,
                Nor suppose the evil great,
                Here may view its nature rightly,
                Here its guilt may estimate.
                Mark the sacrifice appointed,
                See Who bears the awful load;
               ‘Tis the Word, the Lord’s Anointed,
                Son of man, and Son of God." TLB 451,3

          The truth that stands out is our need is met. The Sacrifice appointed paid the price fully. “He died for us, the just for the unjust, so that we are saved.” 

          And that is the proper emphasis during Holy Week, that we spend some time just thinking of the great mercy and grace of our loving God who, by sending His Only Son to suffer and die for us, saved us.

          Shout HOSANNA, amen.

GPD 3/26/13