Welcome, Holy Week.

Have you ever wondered “Who is God?” and “What is He like?” Interestingly, we have a lot of preconceived notions based on how we think or feel. But have you ever challenged your thoughts with the truths found in God’s Word? “What does God say about Himself?”

He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. Rev 22:20

Yesterday was Palm Sunday…a day to welcome the coming of Jesus into our own personal city, our heart. And if you remember the story found in Mark 11, Jesus doesn’t arrive with pomp and circumstance. Instead, He arrives humbly. He arrives lowly. Not anyway, shape, or form how we would imagine a King to arrive.

When you think of a King, what comes to mind?

Thoughts I imagine run rampant. From a dictator who is commanding and downright mean. To a weak, symbolic figure. From someone who undeservedly was crowned, simply because of his birthright. To him who lives high on the hog, wasting the wealth of the everyone under his rule.

Likewise, many misconceptions exist about God.

Maybe you find yourself thinking of God as ogre-like, miserably reigning heaven above. Waiting and waiting and waiting for us mortal humans to mess up. You may think you may never measure up. Your good deeds are simply that…deeds that are good. But not good enough for a mean spirited God. You envision Him as sorta angry. After all, look around at our current state of affairs. I wonder how many of us fight to believe that God is good. To trust that He is always looking out for our best interest. To believe that He loves us more than anything.

In all seriousness, the Old Testament God seems sorta mad. He’s really tough on the rules. Even harsh at times. But Jesus…

Jesus comes and more fully reveals God’s true intentions

God is the kind of King who delights in His people and places crowns upon their heads (Psalm 149:4). Who loves you more than you can ever imagine (Romans 8:37-39). He calls you His child (Gal 3:26), chosen (1 Peter 2:9), and adopted (Rom 8:15)! Why, He even considers you His! (1 Peter 2:9)

Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Luke 12:32

This verse tells us how it really is…it is God’s pleasure to give you His Kingdom. It is His heart’s desire. The phrase “good pleasure” means “take delight in” or “well pleased to.” Just let that sink in. Our Heavenly Father’s greatest joy is to freely give you everything. He is not behaving this way because He has to…no one is watching over God and telling Him what to do. He independently has determined that…(even though you and I don’t deserve it, we are ugly sinners to our core)…He wants to give you His kingdom.

Freely given

God’s greatest joy

His wondrous pleasure

To give you His everything

Now that is some kind of King. Humble. Serving. Generous. Kind. Let God’s true nature resonate deep within.

How can you live more like Jesus? What does it humility look like day-to-day?