Luke 19:36-38 
As he rode along, the crowds spread out their garments on the road ahead of him. When he reached the place where the road started down the Mount of Olives, all of his followers began to shout and sing as they walked along, praising God for all the wonderful miracles they had seen.

“Blessings on the King who comes in the name of the Lord!
Peace in heaven, and glory in highest heaven!”
(New Living Translation)

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Thirty years or so ago, Promise Keepers men’s rallies took place in stadiums across the USA. I attended one of those events in Houston in the arena where the NBA team plays. About eighteen thousand of us spent some quality time together for a couple of days. 

The most moving moment for me was when every man in the room raised his voice in unison to sing a praise song. Then the video screens showed a similarly sized group in Florida singing the same song. Over forty thousand men were singing God’s praise together. 

Spontaneous and united worship by large crowds is deeply moving. 

Something like that happened as Jesus entered Jerusalem. Songs written centuries before came to life in that moment. The hopes and fears of all the years were met in that place that day. 

In one of the most powerful moments in human history, men, women, and children sang, and Jesus wept. (See verses 41-44.)

Powerful moments do not always lead to lasting change. Lasting change, however, echoes across the ages until it resolves in permanent change. 

Cheers were replaced by jeers in a matter of days.

Death took away the life of the one lauded upon his entry. 

The serious business of death was completed.

Then, the tomb was empty. The celebration began. The wonder goes on. Heaven will soon envelop earth. Then the most beautiful song ever penned will be performed by every devoted heart and every joyful tongue. Death will dissolve. Life will begin its full expression.

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I will join the song with every other voice raised in praise.

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Our Father, thank you for a tearless future. Thank you for a fearless forever. Thank you for a future state of overflowing joy. Thank you for a song uniting every heart in endless praise. Amen.