The Donkey Owner

by Joey Davis

"The Lord needs it." That's all they had to say. And without so much as a raised brow of resistance, the owners let them borrow it.

This time it was a colt. Before that it was a boat. And before that, a little boy's lunch.

In a week, it will be a grave that will be borrowed. Borrowed indeed, because only a Savior such as He would be able to return it to its owner in mint condition. . . give or take a few burial clothes.

Such an ironic sight. The One through whom all things came into being, has nothing. A King without so much as a colt to His name. It is such a King that on this day rides toward Jerusalem.

It is an unkingly sight. Meek and lowly. Without ceremony or pomp. Without even the slightest concern for appearances. The road "He travels is lined with people waiting like tiptoed children for a parade.

One of those waiting in line does something you would expect only from a child caught up in the excitement of the moment. He rushes toward Jesus, peels off his cloak, and ads it before the young donkey. As he scurries back, another man strips himself and lays his garments down. Then another and another, until the excitement spreads and a surge of people fill the road. Men pulling off cloaks. Women spreading out shawls. Children climbing trees and tearing off the palm branches in order to carpet the King's entrance into what should be His city.

Jesus is so near the city now. The only problem is that the city is so far from Him. The pain of their condition is almost too much to bear and the closer to the city He comes, the heavier His heart is weighted.

The crowds of admirers helped ease His pain. Yet He knew only too well that they would turn and run as soon as they saw what was about to transpire.

They reach out their hands to Him as if they were an extension of their hearts. They have tasted the sweetness of Heaven on earth. Their exhibition comes straight from their childlike hearts. Hearts that could never be satisfied with any bread other than the Bread of Life.

The Savior's tears are mentioned sparingly in scriptures, and then only in passing. He once wept over a friend who died. And today He would weep over a nation that, in its own way, had died as well.

Both Lazarus and Jerusalem had witnessed His life and heard His teachings. He had called them both out of their" tombs. Lazarus came forth. But He knew Jerusalem never would. And because of this, He wept. ( Luke 19:28-44)