Unbelief blinds us spiritually. Although Jesus was God and man, the religious leaders were blinded to who He was. As Jesus entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, people waved palm branches and praised God for all the miracles they had seen. Luke 19:38 “Blessings on the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in highest heaven!” [1]
As the people praised Jesus, the religious leaders were enraged. Even though they had Scriptural knowledge, they were not people of faith. 2 Corinthians 4:4Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God. [2]
If we don’t have a relationship with God, we easily succumb to the devil’s schemes. Left to navigate life in our own power, we get caught up in worldly events and moral depravity. God turns us over to spiritual blindness and eternal destruction because of our rebellion.
Authentic Worship Can’t Be Silenced
Whether in our story or today, true worship cannot be constrained because it is an outpouring of who Christ is. Some Pharisees challenged Jesus as they listened to the people’s praises on Palm Sunday. Luke 19:39 “Teacher, rebuke your followers for saying things like that!” 40 He replied, “If they kept quiet, the stones along the road would burst into cheers!” [3]
With those words, Jesus confronted the Pharisees who rejected Him and His authority. Instead of coming to faith in Jesus and working to build the Kingdom of God, they wanted to build their kingdom. Instead of living life in light of eternity, they tried to protect their short earthly lives. Only when we come to faith do we begin to see our life in a different light and praise God for all He has done.
Be a Bridge, not a Barrier
When we praise God, we become a bridge that encourages others even when society tells us to be silent. When we fail to praise God, we can do the opposite. But with God’s help, we can have the strength and courage to praise Him despite opposition.
As people lined the streets of Jerusalem, they encouraged each other, praised the Lord, and waved their palm branches. A few days after Jesus entered Jerusalem, He died for the sins of humanity on the cross, and three days later, He rose again. When the Lord sent the Holy Spirit, those who praised the Lord or sneered in unbelief would have an incredible opportunity. Would they come to Jesus and be true believers?
Each of us must answer this question: What will you do with Jesus? Are you willing to follow Him and His way or follow your own way? Your answer will determine your eternal destiny.
To learn how unbelief blinds us spiritually, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/forward-with-full-knowledge
[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.