by Pastor Douglas Brauner

What We Truly Need

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

This past Sunday, Palm Sunday, I was privileged to preach on Mark 11:1-10, on Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. We usher in Holy Week with our celebration of Jesus riding the back of colt on which no one had ever sat, a colt that would take him to the Holy City.

We fill this Sunday with joyous songs that ring with the word, Hosanna!” or, “God, save us, please!” But from what do we need saving? The people who sang their antiphonal psalms as the colt treaded on their garments and branches believed that they needed to be saved from the Romans and their oppressive presence in their country.

We joined these pilgrims in their song. We also sing, “Hosanna!” “God, save us please!” But from what do we wish Jesus to save us? Do we desire that he save us from a troubled marriage? Do we want him to save us from a crumbling family? Do we need him to save us from an uncertain financial situation?

It’s not that God doesn’t care about our marriage, family, or finances because he does. However, what he desires more than anything is that we be saved from that which would causes our eternal separation from him.

He desires to forgive us.

Forgiveness was not what the pilgrims desired most, but it is what they needed. It is what we need. It is what you need. God is in the business of surprising us. The greatest words of surprise are those which Jesus spoke from the cross.

“And Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.’” 
Luke 23:34 English Standard Version

Forgiveness is the base on which Jesus fulfills our other desires. Knowing that he cares about our deepest struggle with sin sets us free to see that he cares about our total existence.

As we continue this Holy Week, I encourage you to pray this simple prayer; “God, surprise me!” and then with open eyes, look for his daily surprises that are rooted in his gift of forgiveness.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado