St Luke's Church, Eccleshill - The Link magazine

The Link is published monthly at 40p (Senior Citizens 35p), and we deliver free within the parish and post copies (at the reader's expense) to those who request it. Please contact us if you would like a free copy for a trial period.

March 2005, Page 4.
 

Jesus - the coming king

JESUS IS THE COMING KING Going to Jerusalem Jesus used a beast of burden: Humble king, he comes to them Riding on a donkey. Jesus is the coming king Donkey riding, donkey riding, Shout "Hosanna!", let us sing, Riding on a donkey. All the people raise their arms, Spread their coats along the roadway, Welcome him by waving palms, Riding on a donkey. He’s the way our strife may cease: Donkey for a gentle saviour. Jesus is the Prince of Peace, Riding on a donkey. People asking "Who is this?" People still are asking questions: We must tell them who he is, Riding on a donkey. © John Hartley

One of our best-liked services for a long time took place on the Sunday before Christmas, when we held a nativity play immediately following the traditional communion service. The cast was the youngest ever, but our J-T's, including many speaking parts read by the under-5's, turned in an all-star performance.

So we're going to try to do it again: this time with the story of Jesus' final journey to Jerusalem on a donkey, upsetting the tables in the temple and annoying the priests and leaders. A dramatic challenge, but well suited to the talents of our children!

Just to get you in the mood, here's a song which I wrote several years ago to the traditional tune "Donkey riding". For Jesus chose the donkey quite deliberately - in fulfilment of the scripture he came "humble and riding on an ass", to show that the Messiah would not be a conqueror but a suffering servant. Where he comes there can be real peace, as many of us have discovered in our own hearts. Have you discovered it too?

John Hartley

 

This web page was last updated on 22nd February 2005.