“What Do the Palms Say?”

by Deacon Kathryn Ballinger

What do the palms say?

We are the rustling witnesses.

We hear the cheering crowds, the color, the clamor.

Jesus, constant and solemn on the colt, no victor’s stallion.

Tense times with the threat of arrest.

What do the palms say?

We know what you want-

More free loaves and fishes,

More miracles and healings.

Oh, you fickle people.

What do the palms say?

You want a king to free you from Rome,

A king like David of old.

You long to relive the past.

Alas, you think you know what Jesus’ kingdom should look like.

What do the palms say?

But our thoughts are not God’s thoughts,

Our ways not His ways.

Jesus teaches love.

His kingdom is of peace,

He is the Prince of Peace.

What do the palms say?

Two wrongs never make a right or peace can never reign.

His kingdom absorbs all hurts, heartaches and harshness.

It is about peace and service to other, giving, going the extra mile.

What do they the palms say?

You are caught up in the present excitement.

The test comes in the coming week when all will change.

Can we stand by him in conflict?

Can we wash his weary feet?

Do we stay awake in the garden?

Stand by at the cross,

Our hearts and souls pierced?

What do the palms say?

This is the test of our faithfulness.

Can we strive for holiness in tough times

When God seems far and all is dark,

When life seems empty and aimless?

Can we trust such times are growing times,

Growth in faithfulness and holiness?

What do the palms say?

What do the palms say to you?

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