By Melissa McLaughlin
For as long as I can remember, I have loved horses. Horses captivated my mind and heart as a young girl. The swift, strong gallop. The playful, childlike whinny. The glistening coat and flowing mane. I drew pictures of them, read stories about them and dreamed of myself riding these majestic and marvelous steeds.
Imagine my delight when one year for Christmas, my parents gave me a pony. Not a gallant stallion, but a simple, sturdy Shetland pony. Though it was small in stature, my heart for the pony was huge! His name was Copper.
I rode Copper through the wooded trails near my home, clopping along in his rhythmic beat, feeling a special peace and connection with God’s creation under me and all around me. He would plod along slowly as we ventured out and then sprint joyfully when we turned back to head for home.
What more magnificent creature to carry our Lord and Savior, than a horse?
And yet, we find that Jesus announced His coming with something less prestigious… a donkey.
Our King is Coming
In Luke chapter 2, we read of Joseph and Mary traveling to Bethlehem to register for the census, fulfilling Biblical prophecies regarding the birthplace of our Savior. Though not actually recorded in scripture, we infer that Mary, then months pregnant with the Christ-child, likely rode a donkey for this long journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem.
In this same chapter, we encounter a heavenly host of angels proclaiming the good news of our Savior’s coming. Interestingly, this divine, history-altering message was shared only with some lowly shepherds keeping watch over their flocks of sheep.
Of all God’s glorious creatures, we picture donkeys and sheep woven into the story of His Advent.
Our King is Coming
It seems fitting that as part of Jesus’ prophetic fulfillment, just prior to His death on the cross, we read in Luke 19:28-40, of Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, once again riding a colt, the foal of a donkey.
Remarkably, some 400 years earlier, this very scene had been prophesied, here in Zechariah 9:9:
Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion!
Shout, Daughter Jerusalem!
See, your king comes to you,
righteous and victorious,
lowly and riding on a donkey,
on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
As Jesus arrived on the donkey, the crowds chanted a prophetic phrase from Psalm 118:25-26 – Hosanna (meaning “save us”). Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!
The King of all Creation, abreast a humble donkey. Rather than the symbol of powerful conqueror on a mighty stallion, Jesus entered as a gentle prince, a Prince of Peace. For kings of that day, who came in peace, rode a donkey.
Even then, some who opposed Jesus were offended that the people shouted His praise and told Jesus to make them stop. But Jesus did not. Jesus accepted the people’s prophetic praise and added that creation itself, the very stones, would cry out if they did not.
A surprising answer from this humble Prince. A foreshadow for those who have ears to hear. For though He is a suffering servant King, yet HE IS KING. Creation recognizes its CREATOR.
The very next part of this story is what stops me in my tracks and makes me wonder about the crowds that day. And the crowds of today.
As Jesus came near the city of Jerusalem and looked upon it…
He wept.
Listen to the words of our weeping Savior in Luke 19:41-44 – As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.”
Jesus wept. If God’s chosen people could only see what brings real peace, soul peace, peace with God through a right relationship found in Christ Jesus. Not military peace. Not economic peace. Peace with God. Saved by grace through faith in Jesus and His finished work on the cross. “Peace on earth for those on whom His favor rests,” as announced by the angels in Luke 2:14.
“Because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.”
Jesus, God in the flesh, God incarnate, has come to His people. Not to conquer enemy nations, but to conquer the enemy of our soul… sin. The Creator, who came to save His creatures, was spurned by the very ones whose existence depended on Him.
Jesus paid an immeasurable price, the cost of His own holy, pure, perfect blood to purchase us for heaven.
And here He stands, weeping “Because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.”
Following this scene, we are given a short account of Jesus cleansing the Temple in Luke 19:45-46. Many were using the sale of Temple sacrifices to extort money from the poor, instead of consecrating this sacred place for people to draw near God in prayer.
“Because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.”
Our King is Coming
Likewise, we know that one day soon, Jesus will come and cleanse this world of every person, demon, devil and evil that opposes His righteousness and holiness. For God is holy and no sin can be allowed in His perfect presence or His goodness ceases to be good.
The Holy God and Lord of Creation is coming to make His dwelling place among mankind. Forever.
When Jesus returns at His second coming, Biblical prophecy declares this time, our Messiah will ride a horse. And this powerful, fearful, future scene can take your breath away. Imagine this…
Revelation 19:11-16 – Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.
Jesus’ first coming was as a sacrificial Lamb, to lay down His life for the sins of the world. However, when He returns, it will be as Lion, warring against anything and anyone that sets itself up against God or has not believed in Christ as Messiah and LORD.
Though this sounds terrifying, it is for this reason Jesus died a terrifying death to atone for our sins. He has cleansed our souls and purified us, so that we are fit to abide in the presence of Almighty God.
How could we, sinful and selfish mortals that we are, how could even we tolerate heaven as a place where corruption, evil, abuse, mocking, lying and killing would continue? When Christ returns, He will make all things right and because of our Holy Savior’s blood, we are granted the mercy and grace to dwell with the Holy One in peace for all eternity.
“Because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.”
As we look around at so many people in our own cities who have turned their backs on Jesus’ sacrifice for them, may we weep as He did, that day He looked out over Jerusalem. For we know, one day soon, we will breathe our last or Jesus will return and the final judgments will be made.
May our prayers echo on and on until that day, that the people of the earth will not miss out on the kingdom of heaven…
“Because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.”
I can hear the coming of our King on the horizon. Can you? The hoofbeats are already thundering in the distance. The ground is rumbling even now.
May more eyes be opened and hearts believe that Jesus is LORD, while there is still time. Like the pounding, drumming of horses’ hooves as they head toward home, may our prayers for people to believe and follow Christ beat on steady, sure and strong. For behold, our King is coming.
Hebrews 9:27-28 – Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.
Psalm 118:19-27a (Excerpts shouted by the crowd at Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem)
19 Open to me the gates of righteousness,
that I may enter through them
and give thanks to the Lord.
20 This is the gate of the Lord;
the righteous shall enter through it.
21 I thank you that you have answered me
and have become my salvation.
22 The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone.
23 This is the Lord’s doing;
it is marvelous in our eyes.
24 This is the day that the Lord has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it.
25 Save us, we pray, O Lord!
O Lord, we pray, give us success!
26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!
We bless you from the house of the Lord.
27 The Lord is God,
and he has made his light to shine upon us.
Additional Resources:
6 Simple Things to Know About End Times By Melissa McLaughlin
The Time Between Time: Two Extraordinary Moments in God’s Story By Melissa McLaughlin
Do you ever wonder if the world is coming to an end? By Melissa McLaughlin
When I read the words “Jesus wept.” my heart breaks. With all the trouble in the world right now, I think of His tears flowing again. I am comforted knowing that when this world is done, I will have a home with my Heavenly Father.
Those words caught in my heart, too. My heart is broken too, for the pain, sorrow, anguish and hatred in this world. How Jesus wept then and weeps with us today. It is a great comfort to me knowing that our sweet Savior wept over this world and yet He laid down His own life to win us for heaven. What amazing love and grace. Our heavenly home will be good, right, beautiful and lovely beyond our comprehension. For we have seen the goodness of the Lord in the eyes of Jesus. What a Savior! What a King!
I love how you contrast the story of riding the donkey intoJerusalem before His death on the cross and how He will ride a horse at the second coming. Those who did not accept Him as the humble servant of the Lord, will meet Him as the Lion of Judah. Powerful message Melissa.
The two different types of animals truly capture the spiritual and visual contrast of Jesus’ first and second coming. May we always remember the tears in His eyes as He looked over the crowds that day. May we see the crowds with His eyes and keep praying that more will see Him with us. Bless you, dear friend.
Love this sentence: “…real peace, soul peace, peace with God through a right relationship found in Christ Jesus. Not military peace. Not economic peace. Peace with God. ” The peace we so desperately seek in this world can only be found in Christ Jesus.
You are right, CG. The peace Jesus gives, the world cannot give us and the world cannot take it away. May we help others meet Jesus and know this peace. May the Lord bless you with His peace.
“Because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you” oh such tears reading these words throughout your post. May I allow the Lord to stir such prayers in my heart for this world also. So many who are hurting now, not realizing that it is HIS mercy that will bring them peace. Thank you for this encouragement to keep looking up for HIS soon coming, and to keep praying, Melissa!
Dear Bettie, thank you for taking the time to read and weep with me over Jesus’ deep love for us. Those words echoed in my heart as I read them. He sees our great need and He weeps that so many don’t receive Him, the only One who can fill that need. May the joy of our salvation shine ever brighter, for we have seen His light. And yes, may we keep our eyes heavenward, watching and praying. It won’t be long now, sweet sister. May we use the time to stand in the small gap that is left. May God fill you with His love and strengthen you with His Spirit.
Beautifully crafted, Melissa! And so much meat here! Lord, open our eyes to see You. God bless!
Thank you, Nancy! Glory to God, the Source of life, the Giver of all good gifts and the King that saves! Yes, may we watch and pray, ready if He comes today.
Only Jesus brings us peace. He is the light of the world; His light shines in every place where there is darkness. The world cannot give us this peace. It only comes from Him. How blessed we are with our Risen Lord, a light for all time.
Amen! Beautiful, powerful truth, Linda. Jesus. Only Jesus is the answer to the woes of this world. May believers clinger ever tighter to our Savior and may we pray for the lost to find Him. Even today.
Superb post! Such an encouragement! You captured quite beautifully the transition of gentle and loving Messiah, coming as foretold on a donkey to conquering king Messiah thundering down from heaven on a strong white horse! I love how you repeated those words that not only foretold of the fall of Jerusalem, but also proclaimed “Because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.” A powerful post that causes my heart to long for that day!
Thank you, Melinda! Glory to God, the Great Author of our life, breath and hope forever! Yes, those words jumped out at me and simultaneously broke my heart as I imagined Jesus standing there before the cheering crowds, weeping. The Creator and Champion of the world did the unthinkable, laid down His life for the sinful people who would not have Him. May our hearts long for Him more and more and may we pray fervently for those who are lost to be found in Him today. For that Day is fast approaching!
Luke 19:41-44 is a chilling passage. So many people today are either turning away from God, or are confused about what following Christ means. I imagine Christ weeping over the world, even America. My heart breaks with him. May we make the most of our time on earth continuing to tell the good news of Christ to those who need him.
So well expressed, Marcie. It is a chilling passage. I know our Savior is weeping over the world and over America. How far we have strayed from Him. I weep with you and with Christ. May our hearts burn with love for Jesus and prayers for others. For we see, the time is short.
Wow! That line from Luke 19 is so powerful: “Because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.” And we see it in our present culture. How very sad on all accounts. Jesus, open our eyes to You and Your glory. Let us remember Your first coming and Your next coming. Help us to see God’s coming to us in our daily lives! Amen!
Adding my amen to your powerful prayer, dear Karen! My heart weeps along with Jesus’ at the people then and now, who did not recognize God’s coming to save them. Oh Lord, may more eyes be opened to your grace, truth, mercy and love!
If there is ever a time when we see the crowds and weep, it is now. So much pain, so much carousing, so many selfish pursuits…but not for Christ. You have challenged me to look more clearly and keep His coming in perspective as I speak with people. I need to open my mouth more. People need to know Jesus came to save us, and will come again as a lion.
So true, Stephen. As the world itself weeps, we know Jesus is weeping over the world, for all the hatred, violence and hurt. As you have said, pursuing selfish gains, but not for Christ. Jesus is coming back. May we have that drum beating in our spirits, hearts and minds, as we seek to honor Christ and point others to Him before He returns. The Lion of the Tribe of Judah is coming back soon.
Some things you shared here, I too have been thinking of. Like, Is Jesus weeping over our nation the way he wept for Jerusalem and I took pause at your mention of those who have ears, let them hear. It’s been a line on my mind all day long. Wonderful, thought provoking post. Thank you!
Thank you for reading and sharing your insights, Jenny. It is always moving when the Holy Spirit puts the same message on different people’s hearts at the same time. Praying for more eyes to see and more ears to hear that Jesus is LORD. Before time runs out. May we remain steadfast and fervent in our prayers for the Day is fast approaching. God bless you!