Passion Week - Hosanna!

via TJC Those who went in front and those who followed were shouting: “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord; Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father, David; Hosanna in the highest!” - Mark 11: 7-10

Words mean things. The words we speak have power - to do great good or horrible evil, to heal or tear down.

Hosanna is a word used as an exclamation of adoration, praise, or joy; a plea for "help" or "to save". The Pharisees hear this high praise of Jesus and are angered by it. They tell Jesus to rebuke the people, and Jesus replies that even if the people were silent the stones would cry out! Some words need to be spoken! I encountered this recently when a co-worker passed away. I was one of the newest employees and didn’t know the deceased very well, but for some reason the owners of the company called on me to pray for him publicly at a company meeting. Trusting that the Spirit set the stage, I dove into prayer. Immediately, gratitude for the depth and years of relationships my other coworkers had with this man came out. The words reinforced the depth of love they had for each other. While I did not use the word ‘Hosanna’, the words I said were the words that needed to be spoken. Our spoken words, spoken into circumstances and into the ears of others, will accomplish their purposes.

As Paul tells us: Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment so that it will give grace to those who hear. (Eph 4:29) Daily Battle Order A neglected tool or weapon is rarely applied skillfully when suddenly called upon. Men of God are called to be ready ‘in season and out.’ God gives you moments to speak your “Hosanna!”- to speak that which needs to be spoken out loud. Remember, speaking aloud reaches your entire audience, even those we cannot see. As you become more comfortable speaking your Hosanna’s, you will be better prepared when called upon…and your weapon will more likely hit the mark.