Sunday, March 24, 2013

















March 24, 2013   

Today's Photograph . . . . Palm Canyon, Kofa National Wildlife Refuge, AZ (MQ)
Palm Sunday   
 
Bible Study Verses
Matthew 21:4-6
All this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying:  "Tell the daughter of Zion, "Behold, your King is coming to you, lowly, and sitting on a donkey,
a colt, the foal of a donkey.' " So the disciples went and did as Jesus commanded them. They brought the donkey and the colt, laid their clothes on them, and set Him on them. And a very great multitude spread their clothes on the road; others cut down branches from the trees and spread them on the road. Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying:  "Hosanna to the Son of David! 'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!' "Hosanna in the highest!" (NKJV)

Thoughts
A friend and I hiked up the remote Palm Canyon in the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge to photograph the California fan palms tucked away within this narrow deep canyon.

While hiking the palms drew my memories to past Palm Sundays.
(Mark Q)

Action Point
Palm Sunday is the day we remember Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem just one week before His resurrection that the prophet Zechariah depicted. "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, lowly and riding on a donkey, A colt, the foal of a donkey," Zachariah 9:9 (NKJV).

Note, He rode in on the unbroken donkey colt that was as gentle and reverent as a lamb. People were everywhere and the donkey was obedient. That in itself was a miracle! He is the Master of all!!!

Today we celebrate this predicted fulfilled event and refer to it as Palm Sunday because of the Palm branches that were laid on the road by the worshiping crowd as Jesus rode the unbroken donkey into Jerusalem. But, the same crowds that were shouting Hosanna just 5 days later would shout, "Crucify Him!"

Do each of us honestly reflect back on these events? Do we take a week out of the year to think about it? I encourage you this year to remember what was given freely at such a great price to you and to all mankind this coming week. Whether it's taking a special hike into Palm Canyon or just going to spend time in the outdoors to be still and to reflect on this upcoming week's celebrations.
 
Sportsmen's Tip of the Day
In a pinch water through condensation can be collected from a palm frond hanging on a palm tree. Tie a plastic bag around the frond completely encasing the leaf. As the water collects, empty the bag into a water container and retie to the frond to collect more.