“Hosanna” - “Save us!”             Matthew 21: 1-11

Save from what or whom?  Within the context of this scripture the people were looking for an earthly Messiah to save them or delivery them from the oppression of the Roman Empire.  To deliver them from injustice, poverty and physical aliments.  All certainly reasonable things to seek relief from - things in which humankind has always suffered from since the fall of mankind.  We have many good organizations and churches that help mitigate the suffering here and abroad, but cannot totally save or deliver from.  Jesus said that we would have tribulation but promised those who endure to the end shall be saved (cf. Matt.24).  Jesus reminded us that His kingdom was not of this earth, but promised to those that believe, He has given His helper - the Holy Spirit (cf. Jn 14:26).  All too often we cry out to Jesus or God to save us from this or that, to deliver us from this or that but never fully trust Him with our lives.  God sent His Son on a rescue mission - to save us from our sins!  “…what must I do to be saved?…believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved…(cf. Acts 16:29-31).  Believe is a very strong word.  It means not just to believe He existed, but placing one’s total trust and reliance on Him as Savior and Lord!  Means to surrender your life, relying on His death, burial and resurrection as the payment for sins and for eternal life - “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” - Ro. 6:23

All too often pride, self-reliance, arrogance and unforgiveness (of ourselves and others) will keep us from coming to Christ for salvation.  Yes, we need saved, from ourselves and our sins.  “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins and to cleanse us form all unrighteousness.” - 1 Jn 1: 9

We confess to Jesus Christ, mankind’s only mediator - “who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of truth” (cf. 1 Tim. 2:3-5).

The truth is, man cannot save us.  We cannot save ourselves, only Jesus Christ can save us.  Yes, by God’s grace and mercy we can find temporary relief and deliverance from the things of this world, but only God can bring lasting peace and deliverance!

“Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before His presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to God our Savior, who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen!”

• Jude 24-25

Pastor Rodney