Have you ever wondered who was in the multitude that praised and worshipped during Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem? Well, I have. I was surprised to find out that the Word of God is specific about it; at least, it tells us who started the celebration. The disciples!

Luke declares,
...the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen; saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord....
(Luke 19:37-38)
In these verses of scripture, we find a truth that many Christians do not know—the multitude that began rejoicing and praising God were disciples; they were not heathen or unbelievers. These followers of Jesus were persuaded that He was the King and they were shouting the glad news to the whole world.

The question I have for you today is this: "If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, are you rejoicing and praising God with a loud voice for all the mighty works which you have seen?" Are you shouting the glad news to the lost and dying world that surrounds you?

Have you been persuaded, as a follower of Jesus Christ, that you have something to shout about, something to rejoice about, and something to praise about?

Are you persuaded that Jesus is the King and that God wants to do mighty works in your life and in the lives of those around you—especially during this Easter season?

It is truly a fact that our Lord and Savior wants, by the Holy Spirit, to do works through you that will have people asking you who, what, when, and how these things can be. The Lord wants you to be such a voice on the earth that all people can hear of His glorious works. He wants you to be a witness unto Him.

I know people who say they have not really seen any "mighty works." I beg to differ. If you have received Jesus as your Lord and Savior, all you have to do is take a look at your life today.

If Jesus had not come into your heart and made you a new creature in Christ, where would you be and what would you be doing? I am sure that you are not any different than any other believer.

If you had not been born again, you would still be separated from God and His merciful power. If you had not been created a new creature in Christ, you would be living a life of sin, despair, and hopelessness. See? We are not so different. Without Jesus we would be utterly lost and undone. Do we have a reason to rejoice? I should think so!

Now, let's look at another multitude that had something to say about Jesus.
But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.... But they cried out the more saying, Let him be crucified.
(Matt. 27:20-23)
Mark, Luke and John declare that the multitude cried out, "Crucify him! Crucify him!" We see people who have not been persuaded of or by the good news of Jesus Christ. This multitude did not hold their voice. No, they loudly and continuously shouted their opinion.

The sad thing is that there were probably many in that multitude that had seen the mighty works of God. In fact, they might have even been counted in the multitude that shouted, "Hosanna!" The problem was who and what was the greatest influence in their lives. What did they allow to persuade them?

Stand Up And Be Heard
It is time for us to take a stand. Are we going to be rejoicers or condemners? We are the ones who get to say! Who and what are we going to let persuade our voice? I am convinced that the greatest persuasion comes from the testimony of our own lives.

The greatest testimony follows these simple steps: what was your life like before you knew Jesus as Lord; what happened when you met Him and invited Him in to your heart; and what your life is like now. This simple witness, this glad news, will persuade you and others.

Just think about what Jesus has done for you; then, go ahead. Grab some palm leaves and rejoice—it's what the Lord has done in you!

Church of the Fulness of God
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