Embracing Divine Timing and New Beginnings
Summary
Happy Palm Sunday, Cokie Mill Church! As we gather today, we find ourselves on the brink of Passion Week, a time of profound reflection and anticipation. This week, we are reminded of the odds we face in life and how they relate to the events of Palm Sunday. The question, "What are the odds?" resonates with us all, whether we're contemplating the trivial or the monumental challenges in our lives. As we delve into the story of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, we are reminded that against all odds, Jesus fulfilled prophecies and changed the course of history.
Palm Sunday is not just a historical event; it is a reminder of the divine timing and defining moments that shape our lives. Jesus' entry into Jerusalem was a moment of triumph and humility, riding on a donkey rather than a warhorse, symbolizing peace rather than conquest. This act defied expectations and demonstrated that God's ways are often different from our own. It challenges us to trust in His divine timing and to focus on the present, knowing that today can be the day that changes everything.
We are called to live with a resurrection expectation, believing that God can bring life to the dead areas of our lives. Just as Jesus' resurrection defied the odds, we too can experience transformation and renewal. This Palm Sunday, let us embrace the opportunity for change and allow God to work in our lives in unexpected ways. As we prepare for Easter, may we carry the hope and promise of resurrection with us, trusting that God is doing a new thing in our midst.
Key Takeaways:
- Divine Timing: God's timing often defies our expectations. We are reminded to focus on today, as each day holds the potential for transformation. Psalm 90:12 teaches us to number our days, emphasizing the importance of living in the present and trusting God's timing. [49:56]
- Defining Moments: Jesus' entry into Jerusalem was a defining moment that demonstrated His willingness to embrace His purpose. We too face defining moments that require courage and faith. These moments can lead to profound change if we choose to trust God and step forward in faith. [47:26]
- Resurrection Expectation: Living with a resurrection expectation means believing that God can bring life to the dead areas of our lives. We are encouraged to expect God's comebacks in our setbacks, trusting that nothing is beyond His power to resurrect and restore. [01:07:25]
- Courageous Choices: Making courageous choices can unlock new possibilities in our lives. By choosing to follow Christ and surrendering our lives to Him, we open ourselves to His transformative power and discover gifts and talents we never knew we had. [01:01:40]
- New Beginnings: Palm Sunday is an invitation to embrace new beginnings. As we reflect on Jesus' humble entry into Jerusalem, we are reminded that God's plans often unfold in unexpected ways. Let us be open to the new things God is doing in our lives and trust Him to lead us forward. [01:09:36]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Communion Invitation
- [01:15] - Opening Prayer
- [02:00] - Palm Sunday Greetings
- [03:00] - Worship Team Appreciation
- [04:00] - What Are the Odds?
- [05:30] - Everyday Odds and Challenges
- [07:00] - The Significance of Palm Sunday
- [08:30] - Divine Timing and Today's Focus
- [10:00] - Defining Moments in Life
- [12:00] - Living with Resurrection Expectation
- [14:00] - Courageous Choices and New Beginnings
- [16:00] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
- [17:00] - Final Worship and Dismissal
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Palm Sunday - Against All Odds
Bible Reading:
1. John 12:12-19
2. Psalm 90:12
3. Isaiah 43:19
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Observation Questions:
1. In John 12:12-19, how did the crowd react to Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, and what does this reveal about their expectations of Him?
2. According to Psalm 90:12, what is the significance of numbering our days, and how does this relate to the concept of divine timing discussed in the sermon? [49:56]
3. How does Isaiah 43:19 illustrate the idea of God doing a new thing, and how was this concept reflected in Jesus' entry into Jerusalem? [01:09:36]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does it mean to live with a "resurrection expectation," and how can this perspective influence a believer's daily life? [01:07:25]
2. How can the concept of divine timing challenge our understanding of God's plans for our lives, especially when facing seemingly impossible situations? [49:56]
3. In what ways can defining moments, like Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, serve as turning points in a believer's faith journey? [47:26]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you faced a situation that seemed impossible. How did you see God's divine timing at work, and what did you learn from that experience? [49:56]
2. Identify an area in your life that feels "dead" or stagnant. How can you invite God to bring resurrection and renewal to that area this week? [01:07:25]
3. Consider a defining moment in your life that required courage and faith. How did that moment shape your relationship with God, and what steps can you take to embrace future defining moments with the same courage? [47:26]
4. What are some practical ways you can focus on living in the present, as encouraged by Psalm 90:12, and trust in God's timing for your future? [49:56]
5. Think about a courageous choice you need to make in your life right now. What is holding you back, and how can you rely on God's strength to move forward? [01:01:40]
6. How can you remain open to the new things God is doing in your life, as described in Isaiah 43:19, and what steps can you take to embrace these changes? [01:09:36]
7. Reflect on the sermon’s message about trusting God’s plan even when it defies expectations. How can you apply this trust to a current challenge you are facing? [49:56]
Devotional
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Quotes
"It's incredible when you can get together with a group of people, then take that group of people and join into a room together with all of you and then everyone online. And you can tangibly feel the presence of God in this place. Amen. Amen. I was so, uh, blessed this morning by all of it. And I thought, I just, uh, I love our church and I love the people who are in it. Amen. And happy Palm Sunday. So here's a question for Palm Sunday heading into Easter. It's this simple question. It's what are the odds? What are the odds?" [00:38:20] (33 seconds)
"And there's so much at stake during this week. Even when we gather together to have dynamic praise and worship, we clap and we sing and we pray and you feel the tangible presence of the Lord. But a lot of times what happens, about the time you get to that parking lot and in that car to take off to lunch or even on Monday morning, we don't really get that time again. We believe Jesus did all of these things. The resurrection is the truth. Palm Sunday did happen. But how come it doesn't stick with us day to day? How come we just kind of get numb and dumb and then we just lose sight of what's important?" [00:41:30] (42 seconds)
"Recovering from a major health crisis. We got a couple of people in here that have done that. You've gone against all odds. Finding a legal battle against all odds. Rebuilding your life after losing everything. We've got a few people in here that have done that, and even more online that have told us their story. But have you ever been in an event in your life and said, hey, this thing seems impossible. There's no way I can get through this. And these events that happen on Palm Sunday, they changed every single thing that we're dealing with. It's real simple. You can't have Palm Sunday. Well, you can't have Easter without Palm Sunday." [00:48:40] (35 seconds)
"But defying the odds through divine timing is just focused on today. I know it's anticlimactic. Come on, man. Give me something real. I'm telling you, man, this is it. It's actually right now. Watch this. God is into days and he's into today. Psalm 90 12 says this. So teach us to number our what? Weeks. Help me to count the months. He said number my days so that I may apply to my heart. wisdom. It teaches this brevity of life. God's in today's. Look at Psalm 118 24 says this. This is the what? Day. Let's try it again. This is the day. The Lord has made. We're going to rejoice in what? Be glad in this stuff. God is in today's because he knows this single day of your life can change everything. And maybe for some of you, you're here today and today's the day you turn to God finally." [00:51:18] (63 seconds)
"Some of you in this room need real freedom. And I don't mean just churchy church talk freedom on Sunday morning. Some of you are looking for some things and you're walking around this earth and you keep showing up to church every week and you keep saying why don't I feel lighter? Why don't I feel better? Why is my situation not changing? It's because you're not giving it all to God. You're holding on to it. Send the text. Get the reconciliation. Get the resolution. Days can change us." [00:53:52] (32 seconds)
"And as Jesus is riding into Jerusalem, this incredible celebration, this fanfare, tens of thousands of people, they're taking their coats off, they're putting the palm branches down and they're riding in. And here's the closing point for this point is this. What are the odds that God has appointed this very day, today, Palm Sunday, to change the trajectory of your life? I bet if you let him do the thing he needs to do in your life, I bet he will change your life from here on out. Amen? Don't wait for tomorrow. Do not wait for Easter. Start today. Amen? Write this down. God's divine timing shatters our human timelines. It's the truth." [00:54:25] (44 seconds)
"Point number two is this. Define the odds through defining moments. Jesus says in John 12, even as I'm overwhelmed with trouble and distress, I'm not sure what to ask for in this time. Father, I don't want to be saved in this hour of suffering. Very important, for this is the very reason I have come to this hour, to glorify the name of my Father. Jesus has this defining moment. We treat this story like he had no choice and he had no options. Jesus could have backed the truck up and got out of there. This is way too much. This is way too heavy. I don't think if I had to die for all of you." [00:55:09] (42 seconds)
"Live with this resurrection expectation. This is the thing we don't do. You say, PJ, what in the world is that gobbledygook of words, living in resurrection expectation? It's this. You need to start expecting God's comebacks and your setbacks. You're talking more about what God hasn't done than what God has done in your life. You're talking about the things that haven't worked out more than you're talking about, God, you can work this out. Live like your story's not over. Believe that nothing is too dead to revive. Expect a miracle in an impossible situation." [01:05:31] (39 seconds)
"Just as Jesus rode into Jerusalem, everything's in motion. Friday is good, but we know what? Sunday's coming. When circumstances seem darkest here today, God specializes in one thing, and this is his highlight reel, bringing life to impossible situations. Worship team, you can come on up. John 11, 25 says this. Jesus said, I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will what? Live. Even though they die. Living with this resurrection expectation simply means this. You can approach God with confidence that God has this now. He's on the inside of you if you're saved. You have that option now. You don't have to die, go to heaven, and then you get to figure it out. God's with you, amen?" [01:07:04] (57 seconds)
"And it's simply this. Palm Sunday, everybody was looking for a political king. That's the thing we don't talk about. Everybody was looking for a man to be on a war horse with war boots and look like a Roman general who's ready for war. You know what Jesus shows up in? Donkey. This donkey. Low key. Just goes low. Everybody's expecting high. He says, nope, I'm doing this. I'm doing something different. And I'm going to tell you here today, what you're looking for, what you're expecting, I can promise you this because I've done it in my own life. It's not going to be what you think. It will be better than what you think." [01:08:25] (48 seconds)
"Father God, thank you for your presence in this place. Thank you that time after time, when we feel like giving up, when we don't know what's coming next, that you help us, that you speak to us and you tell us, I'm here. You come alongside gently. You sit next to us, Lord, and you help us make courageous choices and decisions for our life. Thank you for your presence. I thank you for this church. I thank you for opportunities beyond our wildest dream. And Lord, I pray today, somehow, someway, we catch a glimpse of what we were talking about." [01:11:58] (48 seconds)
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