As Mary and Joseph left Bethany, they could have passed through the Kidron Valley on their route through Bethlehem to Jerusalem. Passing through this valley would have been a familiar experience. Pilgrims coming to Jerusalem would come singing their familiar Psalms of Ascent! Even now, when one approaches Jerusalem through the Kidron Valley, one can hear pilgrims singing their songs of praise.
Passing through this valley knowing they were bearing the Savior of the world, the One promised for so long, they would have understood these words in a whole new way. Others would sing the songs filled with hope. They would hear these songs as about to be fulfilled. The cry of the pilgrims for deliverance had been heard! Their passing through the Kidron Valley must have been with eagerness and delight.
They could hardly have imagined the triumphal entry of their Son through this Valley on what would later be called "Palm Sunday." He would be welcomed into Jerusalem as the Son of David, the King of kings, and the Lord of lords. Jesus would enter Jerusalem that day riding on a donkey. Mary would remember that ride into Jerusalem on a donkey more that 30 years earlier.
Jesus ride into Jerusalem was on His way to offer Himself as our Lord and Savior, to lay down His life for us, and then to take it up for us again. He came through that valley so He might assure us that He joins us in all the valleys of our lives. We may be those being cheered on, we may be cheering others on, we are always joined by the King of kings and the Lord of lords!
THE PRAYER: O Advent Lord, bless us and all who are on our way to Bethlehem through the valleys of our lives. Amen.
|
