In what ways can we prepare our hearts to welcome Jesus today? Setting the scene “As He rode along, the people spread their cloaks on the road.” (Luke 19:36) The crowd sees Jesus approaching Jerusalem, recognizes royalty, and instinctively clears the way. Their simple act paints a living picture of how a heart prepares for the King today. Seeing ourselves in the crowd • The road: our daily lives—work, study, home, screens, schedules. • The cloaks: whatever we’re wearing for identity, protection, or status. • The King: the same Jesus who “is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). Clearing the roadway of our hearts • Confession and repentance—removing obstacles of sin (James 1:21). • Forgiving others—rolling away stones of bitterness (Ephesians 4:32). • Rejecting idols—dethroning anything competing for first place (1 John 5:21). Spreading our cloaks: acts of surrender • Yield personal rights: “offer your bodies as living sacrifices” (Romans 12:1). • Lay down resources: time, talents, finances become platforms for His reign (Proverbs 3:9). • Hand over plans: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart… He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5–6). Welcoming the King with praise • Lift up your gates: “Lift up your heads, O gates… that the King of Glory may enter!” (Psalm 24:7). • Verbal thanksgiving—naming His works aloud (Psalm 103:2). • Joyful worship—“Rejoice in the Lord always” (Philippians 4:4). • Obedient living—“If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word” (John 14:23). Maintaining an open gate • Daily Scripture intake—seed that bears fruit with perseverance (Luke 8:15). • Constant prayer—“pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). • Fellowship—spurring one another on “to love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24–25). • Watchful expectancy—“await the blessed hope and glorious appearance of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13). With cleared roads, surrendered cloaks, and ongoing praise, the heart becomes a throne room ready for the King who still rides in to save, rule, and dwell. |
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