The Hour Was Late

Image source: deplicque.net

When I was little, we waited until the hour was late to clean up—until my dad's car pulled into the driveway. We feared him enough to scurry upon sighting him, yet wanted to have our fun until the last possible moment.

Then those who went before and those who went behind cried out, "Hosanna!" "Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!" ... And Jesus went into Jerusalem and into the temple, and He looked around at all things. But since by this time the hour was late, He went out to Bethany with the twelve.
~ Mark 11:9,11 (author)

Jesus entered Jerusalem and the temple on Sunday. He had cleansed the temple once before, with a whip, at the beginning of His ministry. (John 2:11-17) His return to the premises as King ought to have filled greedy oppressors with fear. Shouldn't they have known better than to come back and set up shop again after an overnight opportunity to stay away?

Jesus used no whip this time, and His actions were anything but impulsive. No doubt the moneychangers and merchants were furious and were more numerous than the lone figure Who drove them out Monday morning.

But something in the patient wrath of King Jesus disarmed their own wrath.

Surely the wrath of man shall praise You;
With the remainder of wrath You shall gird Yourself.
~ Psalms 76:10 (NKJV)

The King has already made an appearance in our lives. How long shall we have our way before the "Hosanna!"* on our lips which asks for a Savior is accompanied by **"Come have Your way among us—we welcome You here, Lord Jesus" which asks from the heart for Him to be Lord of our lives?

The Lord's eyes see all. He is patient.

But the hour grows late.

* Hosanna is translated, "Save us, Lord."
** Quoted lyrics are from the song "Hosanna" by Paul Baloche and Brenton Brown
© 2006 Integrity Music
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