God Acts in Unexpected Ways

 1 Samuel 19-20     Psalm 149    Matthew 21    

David’s relationship with Saul’s son, Jonathan, is one of those that two are bound together and care for each other. Saul is once again trying to get David out of fear on his power and David’s continues to trust God’s timing. David is protected first by Michal, his wife and daughter of Saul, and Jonathan because they become committed to protecting David. Both of Saul’s children use deceit to protect David from their father.

Today is a song of praise that God provides blessings to those the follow him and punishment to those that work against his people. All fall under the power of God and in the end, it will be to honor God and give Paise to the Lord.

As Jesus prepares to enter Jerusalem, he has his disciples prepare two animals that are symbols not of power but the humble. The people rejoice and proclaim their support for him as he approaches the city. Jesus driving out the buyers and sellers from within the temple upset everyone because he was challenging their power once again, pointing out their sin, healing people and as a result taking attention away from them. Jesus tells his disciples that when we pray amazing things can happen when we pray believing they will.

Again, we see Jesus challenged about who gives him the authority to do the great things he has done. Often it is those that fear the loss of power put themselves out there demanding what they themselves are not able to offer. It is easier to say you are going to do something than actually doing it. Obedience to the father is the key. He really upsets the common believes on who and how people will get into the Kingdom of God. Telling them that tax collectors and prostitutes will get in before they do tells you where their relationship with God was at. Jesus continues to illustrate with stories that what it about to happen is part of God’s plan and that when the ways of God are followed people are attracted to you.

There are a series of stories today that consistently make it clear that when we follow the Lord we will make a difference in the Kingdom of God and that often the path is not the one accepted or commonly followed. God is at work to build his kingdom even when it is so hard to see.