Every person that was part of the nation of Israel had heard about the glory years of King David, the nation’s greatest king. Each person also knew the promise God had made to David, that there would always be someone on David’s throne. They also knew this king would be the Messiah, the Anointed One, sent by God to return them to the “glory” days.

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; He is just and endowed with salvation, Humble, and mounted on a donkey, Even on a colt, the foal of a donkey. Zechariah 9:9

So, on that day that Jesus rode into Jerusalem, people began to shout in triumph, “Hosanna,” (which means “Save us!”). They called Jesus “Son of David,” for they thought, “The King has returned!” The people believed that the years of longing were over. The prophecies have been fulfilled. This king will finally make everything right. There will be true justice. Their enemies are going to be defeated. The King has returned.

This King had been driven from his land as an infant and lived as a refugee. He understood pain and suffering. But this King did not come to fulfill the expectations of the people shouting, “Hosanna!” He didn’t come to bring justice over Israel’s enemies but in the midst of their enemies. He didn’t come to bring peace to the land but to people’s souls. He is the answer to the prayer that people didn’t realize they were praying. The King has returned. Long Live the King.

Five days later, the King is dead. Instead of people crying “Hosanna!” they are crying “Crucify Him!” Instead of palm branches in their hands, hands are clenched into fists. The King is dead. This King embraced the form of a servant. This Prince of Peace was broken for us. This commander of angels surrendered to a cross. He joined us in our suffering, understanding our weakness. He calls us to lay down our lives and live in surrender so that we might fully live. The King is dead. Long Live the King.

Ah, but Sunday arrived, holding the plot twist of plot twists. Three days later, this King defeated death and Hades, stripping its power away. He is NOT defeated. He is NOT destroyed. This King is the resurrection and the life. He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. The King has returned! He invites us to live in His victory, live in His peace, and live in His kingdom. This King has risen. This King has returned. Long Live the KING of kings! Long Live the Savior of the world! Long Live the LORD of lords!

Pastor Tom