Day 36: Exodus 37 - Leviticus 1; Matthew 23:23-39

In the emotional frenzy of the moment, the crowd cried out the words that they will one day sing again, "Blessed is He that comes in the name of the Lord" (Matthew 21:9; 23:39). But, they were hollow words. For that same crowd will again utter a frenzied mob condemnation: "Crucify! Crucify!" (Matthew 27:22-23). The irony is that the fickle crowd is inspired by the same ones who claimed they would never have martyred the prophets (Matthew 23:29-36) and yet they lead the charge in the death of their own Messiah, 'filling up the measure of their ancestors' sins' (v.32). Beware of emotional religiosity, whether it poses in the sanctuary of the church or the halls of politics. Its prophets and preachers and politicians proclaim their undying concern for the good of humanity, but in the end, confront them with the Truth, and they crucify you...they would crucify Christ again, I guarantee it! In the end, everyone will say, "Blessed is He Who comes in the Name of the LORD!" Some will say it by choice, others because they cannot deny the Truth (Philippians 2:9-11). The latter confession will be with eternal regret. I choose the former! And, on this Lord's Day, I will practice that final blessing from a heart of surrender and praise as I sing: "Blessed be the One Who has come, is here, and is coming again! He is Lord!"