Yes, Lord

Ye shall find a colt ..... bring him. And if anyone say unto you, Why do ye this? Say ye, The Lord hath need of him. (Mark 11:2b-3a ASV)

On Palm Sunday the Lord sent his disciples to find a donkey. If questioned, they were to reply, “The Lord has need of him.” There are two odd aspects to Jesus’ request.

First, why would the Lord need anything? He once directed a fish to deliver a coin to Peter. He could have had an animal walk in from the hills. Second, would I hand over my car to strangers just because somebody said, “The Lord needs it?” Why did these people hand over their animal?

Answering the second question is fairly easy. The colt’s owners probably knew about Jesus and recognized the disciples. Their trust in Jesus allowed them to place the colt into the care of the Lord’s followers.

Actually, this answer solves the first question. The Lord didn’t need to borrow the colt, but He did need to give believers opportunity to be a part of the kingdom, to demonstrate trust in Him. The Lord could send ravens with food to every hungry person. Instead He asks us to give it. He helps hurting people, but also provides parents, friends, or fellow believers to advise, encourage or help them. Just as He appeared to Paul, the Lord could appear to each individual, but He asks us to teach and baptize others.

I wonder about those nameless owners of the colt. Did they stand on the wayside and joyfully wave palm branches? How grateful they must have been to have had a special part in the joy and acclamation of Palm Sunday!

May I also have the opportunity and joy of saying “yes” to You. Amen.


© 2011 V. Colclasure