Freed To Follow Your King
(Alvin Chua, Chairperson, Christian Outreach and Social Concerns)
READ:
Zechariah 9:9-17 NLT (with reading from Matthew 21:5-11)
OBSERVE:
These verses prophesy Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Many Jews in town have heard and admired the great miracles that Jesus had performed among their people in many places. They came to believe that He could be the King that was prophesied in their holy scriptures. A very large crowd waited along the roadside to welcome him with high expectations that he would lead them as a mighty king to fight and free them from Roman rule and oppression. However, though these verses seem to describe a military campaign, they were not referring to physical war against the Roman empire, but to spiritual war for the Kingdom of God. The enemy was not the Roman powers but enemies in the spiritual realm.
APPLY
23 years ago, I invited and welcomed Jesus Christ into my heart. He gently moved deeper and established His Kingship there. In His newly established Kingdom, He launched a ‘military campaign’ against my enemies who enslaved me as a ‘prisoner’ for many years. He freed and fought with me to overcome my addiction of smoking and gambling. We also defeated my habitual vulgarity and dishonesty. I recall that through all those ‘battles’, which were vigorous and fierce, He remained patient and gentle through them all. He forgave me for my repeated failures, encouraged me and empowered me with strength to press on during and after every battle. In times of distress, He provided a safe place where I found peace and joy. I have won many victories in those early years with my King! Praise be to God! Hallelujah!
Indeed, as I look back, God has repaid me ‘double blessings’ for every struggle I went through and emerged victorious with Him. Gradually, as I grew to be more mature in Christ, it seems that there are fewer, if not no ‘battles’ worth fighting; at least not those that are very visible and easily noticed by others on the surface. However, my King will never be contented and complacent like myself. Repeatedly, He reminds me that there are harder and fiercer enemies deeper within. Those that secretly imprison my thoughts and feelings, hindering me from growing to be more like Christ. I am sure my Lord and King will continue to lead and fight alongside me in those spiritual battles. As long as I continue to put my faith in Him, there will be victories till the end of my discipleship journey. This is exactly what He had promised when I welcomed his triumphant entry into my heart 23 years ago.
DO
In different seasons of my life, I faced different challenges – in ministry, at the workplace, within the family and everywhere else. However, I understand that God has an ultimate purpose for me and it is good. Therefore I must continually pray that God will strengthen my faith to follow His lead, even if I don’t know the reason. In my discipleship journey, I must always be watchful and intentional, be open and allow God to deal with the enemies hidden deep within.
PRAY
Dear Heavenly Father, my Lord and King, thank You for giving me this great privilege to welcome You into my life and for making me Your child. O Lord, I pray that You will continue to be enthroned in my heart and to lead me in my discipleship journey. Soften my heart, so that I will be willing to open my heart for You to search and deal with those things that are not right in Your sight and hindering my growth. I also pray for my brothers and sisters-in-Christ that they may also respond to Your leading and be watchful and intentional in their discipleship journeys. Amen!
