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PEACE IN HEAVEN, PEACE ON EARTH Luke 19:28-40 The Triumphal Entry. We come today to the familiar account of how Jesus made His triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Wait a minute; this is the Christmas season, why are we talking about that now? We know that there is peace in heaven, but how can we have peace on earth with so much war and violence all around us? Well, this really is not as confusing as it seems—give me a little room today, and I will try to explain. Jesus sent His disciples into a village to get a donkey and its colt, and bring them to Him to ride on. Now that does not sound very nice, taking this man’s possessions! But we are talking about Jesus, and has not everything we have come from the hand of God originally? We could see here where a conflict could arise and the owner could stubbornly refuse to let them take and use his animals. That is where there is no peace on earth. When we war against the directions that Jesus Christ has given, we have not let Him come in and have any room within our lives. Jesus told the disciples, if anyone asks “why are you loosing the donkey and colt,” they were to tell him “because the Lord has need of it.” Jesus does have need for us to make room for Him in our lives. While studying and praying about this Scripture, I can see that it was not Jesus’ main goal to possess a donkey to sit on so He could ride into town. I believe Jesus wants to possess every stubborn place within our hearts and lives that won’t submit to His authority. That is what the donkey represents, our stubborn hearts. Romans 6:11 says, "Reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord." What this means is, that we must come and surrender ourselves to Jesus Christ, and let Him be Lord of our lives. Yes, there may be wars and conflicts all around us, but the biggest war we fight is within our own souls. We must recognize that we are living our lives far from God. Come with me, and let’s make room for Jesus to possess every stubborn place in our hearts that won’t yield to His instructions. The man in the Scripture text made room, and Jesus was able to enter triumphantly into Jerusalem. When we make room in our hearts for Him, Jesus will be able to triumphantly enter into our very own souls and possess them. This is the greatest gift we could receive this Christmas season. So, you see, there is peace on earth when we have peace in our hearts toward God. "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1) By faith, we make room for Jesus. By faith, we let Jesus possess us. By faith, we give up all our stubbornness. By faith, we say, "Jesus come triumphantly into my heart and change me for your glory alone." Come Lord Jesus! ~ Debbie Frantz
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