September 5, 2023 - Mark 11-13

Years ago, in his book The Sovereignty of God, A. W. Pink observed that someone/thing is in control of the world. He surmised that it could be man as he exercises his various capabilities, it might even be Satan; in fact, that so much pain and suffering is all around us suggests that Satan, even if not in complete control, might exercise a great deal of control. Or the controlling agent might be someone else. Pink rejected all these possibilities and argued that God is in control. From time to time, as we read the narratives of the Bible, it might seem as if things are spinning out of control.

Jesus cleansed the temple and called the scribes and Pharisees a bunch of thieves. They started looking for a way to have him arrested. In the temple, they challenged Jesus’ authority, but would not answer his questions because they were afraid of the crowds. Jesus spoke a parable against them, but still they cowered and looked for some underhanded way to get Jesus arrested. They tried to trap Jesus with trick questions, but he silenced them with his own questions. Events certainly are coming to a boil. But they are progressing, not according to the plans of the Scribes and Pharisees, but exactly as the Father desires. What joy to know that no opposition to the Lord’s plans can prevail. Soon, the enemies of Jesus will think they have won, but the eventual outcome of these events give victory to the Son and to all his people.

Ride on, ride on in majesty!

Hear all the tribes hosanna cry;

O Savior meek, pursue Your road

with palms and scattered garments strowed.

Ride on, ride on in majesty!

In lowly pomp ride on to die.

O Christ, Your triumphs now begin

o’er captive death and conquered sin.

Ride on, ride on in majesty!

In lowly pomp ride on to die,

bow Your meek head to mortal pain,

then take, O Christ, Your pow’r and reign. -- Henry Hart Milman (1827)