Embracing God's Purpose Amidst Unmet Expectations
Summary
As we gather on this Sunday before Easter, we reflect on the historical event known as Palm Sunday, the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. This moment was filled with excitement as the people of Jerusalem celebrated Jesus as their long-awaited Messiah, fulfilling the prophecies of the Old Testament. However, within just five days, the cries of "Hosanna" turned into shouts of "Crucify him." This drastic change in the crowd's attitude was not due to any failure on Jesus' part but rather a result of unmet expectations. The people expected a Messiah who would overthrow Roman rule and restore Israel's independence, but Jesus came with a different mission—to reveal God's character and to save humanity from a deeper bondage.
This story challenges us to examine our own expectations of God. Like the people of Jerusalem, we often have preconceived notions of how God should act in our lives, especially during times of trouble. When God doesn't meet these expectations, we can become disappointed, leading to a deflated soul. Disappointment can isolate us from God, but it also presents an opportunity to draw closer to Him. Through our trials, God offers us intimacy, healing, resilience, and maturity. He promises to work all things for good, even when we cannot see it.
In our struggles, we are invited to draw near to God, allowing Him to comfort us and heal our wounded lives. This closeness with God fosters resilience, enabling us to withstand life's challenges and grow into maturity. We are reminded that our troubles are temporary and that God is orchestrating everything for our ultimate good. Let us raise a hallelujah in the midst of our storms, trusting that God is with us, strengthening us, and making us complete.
Key Takeaways:
1. Unmet Expectations and Disappointment: The people of Jerusalem expected a Messiah who would deliver them from Roman rule, but Jesus came to fulfill a greater purpose. Similarly, our expectations of God can lead to disappointment when they are not met. This disappointment can isolate us from God, but it also presents an opportunity to draw closer to Him. [08:14]
2. Intimacy with God: In times of trouble, we are invited to draw near to God, who promises to draw near to us. This intimacy allows us to experience His care, comfort, and love on a deep level. It is through this closeness that we find the strength to endure and grow. [20:02]
3. Healing of the Wounded Life: Our emotional lives are like icebergs, with much of our pain hidden beneath the surface. God desires to heal our wounded lives, bringing wholeness and freedom from past hurts. By inviting God into our pain, we allow Him to transform us and bring healing. [23:49]
4. Resilience Through Trials: God uses our trials to develop resilience within us, enabling us to withstand life's challenges. By trusting in God and drawing near to Him, we become stronger and more capable of facing adversity. This resilience is a testament to God's work in our lives. [28:30]
5. Maturity and Completeness: Our trials are opportunities for growth, leading us to maturity and completeness in Christ. As we trust in God and allow Him to work in our lives, we become all that He created us to be. Our troubles are not in vain; they are part of God's plan to make us mature and complete. [31:45]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Palm Sunday: The Triumphal Entry
- [02:00] - Fulfillment of Prophecy
- [03:45] - Unmet Expectations
- [05:30] - The Drastic Turn
- [08:14] - Our Expectations of God
- [11:02] - Symptoms of a Deflated Soul
- [13:38] - The Story of Richard
- [16:29] - The Problem with Expectations
- [18:00] - God's Greater Purpose
- [20:02] - Intimacy with God
- [23:49] - Healing the Wounded Life
- [28:30] - Developing Resilience
- [31:45] - Maturity and Completeness
- [34:00] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 21:8-9 (NIV) - "Most of the crowd spread their garments on the road ahead of him, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, 'Hosanna to the Son of David!' 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!' 'Hosanna in the highest heaven!'"
2. Zechariah 9:9 (NIV) - "Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey."
3. James 4:8 (NIV) - "Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."
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Observation Questions:
1. What actions did the crowd take to honor Jesus during his entry into Jerusalem, and what were they shouting? (Matthew 21:8-9)
2. How does the prophecy in Zechariah 9:9 describe the coming of the king, and how does this compare to the expectations of the people in Jerusalem?
3. According to the sermon, what was the crowd's reaction to Jesus by the end of the week, and what might have caused this change? [03:45]
4. What does James 4:8 promise to those who draw near to God, and how is this relevant to the sermon’s message about intimacy with God? [20:02]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How might the crowd's expectations of a political Messiah have influenced their initial reaction to Jesus' entry into Jerusalem? [03:45]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that unmet expectations can lead to disappointment and isolation from God? [08:14]
3. How does the sermon explain the role of trials in developing resilience and maturity in believers? [28:30]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between intimacy with God and healing from past wounds? [23:49]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when your expectations of God were not met. How did you respond, and what might you do differently now to draw closer to God in such situations? [08:14]
2. The sermon discusses the importance of intimacy with God during trials. What practical steps can you take this week to draw near to God, especially if you are facing a difficult situation? [20:02]
3. Consider the concept of a "deflated soul" mentioned in the sermon. Are there areas in your life where you feel spiritually deflated? What changes can you make to address this? [11:02]
4. How can you invite God into your "wounded life" to experience healing, as described in the sermon? What specific past hurt might you need to bring before God for healing? [23:49]
5. The sermon encourages believers to raise a hallelujah in the midst of storms. What is one specific challenge you are currently facing, and how can you practice gratitude and trust in God through it? [31:45]
6. Reflect on the idea of resilience. How can you cultivate resilience in your life, and what role does your faith play in this process? [28:30]
7. The sermon mentions the ultimate goal of maturity and completeness in Christ. What is one area of your spiritual life where you desire to grow, and what steps can you take to pursue this growth? [31:45]
Devotional
Day 1: Unmet Expectations and Divine Purpose
In the story of Palm Sunday, the people of Jerusalem had specific expectations of Jesus as their Messiah. They anticipated a leader who would liberate them from Roman oppression and restore their national sovereignty. However, Jesus came with a mission that transcended political liberation; He came to reveal God's character and offer salvation from a deeper spiritual bondage. This narrative invites us to reflect on our own expectations of God. When our expectations are unmet, it can lead to disappointment and a sense of isolation from God. Yet, these moments of disappointment are opportunities to draw closer to Him, to realign our understanding of His purpose, and to trust in His greater plan. [08:14]
Jeremiah 29:11-13 (ESV): "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart."
Reflection: What is one expectation you have of God that has not been met? How can you seek to understand His greater purpose in this area of your life today?
Day 2: Drawing Near to God in Trouble
In times of trouble, we are invited to draw near to God, who promises to draw near to us. This intimacy with God allows us to experience His care, comfort, and love on a profound level. It is through this closeness that we find the strength to endure and grow. When we face challenges, God offers us His presence, which is a source of peace and resilience. By seeking intimacy with God, we open ourselves to His transformative power, allowing Him to work in our lives in ways we may not initially understand. [20:02]
James 4:8 (ESV): "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."
Reflection: In what specific way can you draw near to God today, inviting Him into your current struggles or challenges?
Day 3: Healing Hidden Wounds
Our emotional lives are often like icebergs, with much of our pain hidden beneath the surface. God desires to heal our wounded lives, bringing wholeness and freedom from past hurts. By inviting God into our pain, we allow Him to transform us and bring healing. This process requires vulnerability and trust, as we open up the hidden parts of our hearts to His loving care. God's healing is not just about removing pain but about restoring us to fullness and freedom, enabling us to live more abundantly. [23:49]
Psalm 147:3 (ESV): "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."
Reflection: What is one hidden wound or past hurt that you can bring before God today, asking for His healing and restoration?
Day 4: Building Resilience Through Trials
God uses our trials to develop resilience within us, enabling us to withstand life's challenges. By trusting in God and drawing near to Him, we become stronger and more capable of facing adversity. This resilience is a testament to God's work in our lives, as He shapes us into individuals who can endure and thrive despite difficulties. Our trials are not without purpose; they are opportunities for growth and transformation, leading us to a deeper reliance on God's strength and provision. [28:30]
2 Corinthians 4:16-17 (ESV): "So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison."
Reflection: How can you view a current trial as an opportunity for God to build resilience in you? What practical steps can you take to trust Him more in this process?
Day 5: Maturity and Completeness in Christ
Our trials are opportunities for growth, leading us to maturity and completeness in Christ. As we trust in God and allow Him to work in our lives, we become all that He created us to be. Our troubles are not in vain; they are part of God's plan to make us mature and complete. This journey towards maturity involves embracing the lessons and growth that come from our experiences, allowing God to shape us into His likeness. It is through this process that we find fulfillment and purpose in our walk with Christ. [31:45]
James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you sense God is calling you to grow towards maturity? How can you actively participate in this growth process today?
Quotes
You see, another crowd gathered again on the following Friday, but they're no longer raising a hallelujah to their king. They are shouting something very, very different. Jesus was arrested in a garden on Thursday night, and then we find this scene occurring on Friday. Again, Matthew's gospel. It was the governor's custom each year during the Passover celebration to release one prisoner to the crowd. This year, there was a notorious prisoner, a man named Barabbas, and as the crowds gathered, he asked them, which do you want me to release to you, Barabbas or Jesus, who's called the Messiah? [00:02:14] (40 seconds)
Well, the answer to that question is this, nothing. Nothing. Meaning, he did nothing. of the things that they had expected him to do so let's start there let's kind of explore their expectations you see there was no doubt on that day jesus rode into jerusalem on a donkey that the ancient prophecies were being fulfilled and that he indeed was the long -awaited promised messiah sent by god to save his people and the prophecy said that the messiah would rule and reign as king from jerusalem and you see israel had been in captivity and they were in exile for hundreds of years and they were now under roman occupation under the roman thumb so to the jews of that day they expected their messiah king to exert his power and to overthrow this roman government and then re -establish israel as once again an independent and powerful nation so yeah the people man they were raising a hallelujah on that sunday the only problem was that the messiah they expected and the one that they got were very very different [00:03:53] (78 seconds)
You see, he came to reveal God's trustworthy character to them and to us in all its fullness. He came to show them and to show us God's heart, to show them and to show us how good and compassionate and merciful and tender and loving and gentle our God is. And to destroy. To demonstrate the depth of his love by sacrificing himself on a cross so that we would see how trustworthy he is and we would return to him and trust him once again. And then also at the same time to demonstrate through his resurrection his power, his amazing power to rescue us and fix what is wrong in this world and what's wrong inside each one of us. [00:07:11] (51 seconds)
You know, because the truth is we are not all that different from them. We too have our expectations of what Jesus is supposed to do for us. Jesus was not the kind of Messiah that many of them expected him to be and sometimes, sometimes God isn't the kind of God that we expect him to be. You know, he's not the kind of God we expect him to be when we lose our job. He's not the kind of God we expect him to be when we're just struggling to pay our bills, when we get those bad test results, when that relationship that we thought was going to last forever comes to an end and we don't understand why, when our loved one dies after we've prayed and prayed and prayed, when we are mistreated, when we are betrayed. [00:08:20] (59 seconds)
A singer and author, Sheila Walsh, she says this about disappointment in a book she wrote. She said, disappointment, it's a harsh word. It speaks of failure, of frustration. The word sits right down on your soul and utterly deflates it. You know, I think the great King David, he wrote many of the Psalms. And I think as we read many of the Psalms, man, we get a sense that he understood what it meant to have a deflated soul. You know, here's just a couple. Psalm 22, he cries out, my God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from my cries of anguish? I cry out day after day, but you do not answer. By night, but I find no rest. [00:10:10] (48 seconds)
And left unattended, disappointment, it can have a devastating impact on every single aspect of our lives. Folks, it can lead us down to some very dark places. It can first lead us just down a path of confusion and frustration and irritation, you know, ultimately leading us to isolation and despair and then ultimately land us in a pit of anger and bitterness. It's a guy I read about in a book, his story. And it says that Richard had become a Christian when he was in college, and he was just so excited about his newfound faith that he went on to graduate school and studied theology. [00:12:02] (47 seconds)
Expectations can so easily lead us to disappointment, and disappointment can lead us to some very, very dark places. So does that mean that we shouldn't have any expectations in this life then? No, it's not wrong to have expectations. The problem is having the wrong expectations. Expectations about how we think God should be working in our lives on our behalf. That's the problem. We have to be sure that we have the right expectations about this life and about the way that God works, which Jesus spelled out so clearly for us. To his followers then and to his followers now, he makes very clear what it is that we can expect. He says, in this world, you're going to have what? Trouble. [00:15:17] (56 seconds)
But before we get too discouraged, that perfect life and that perfect world that you and I long for, it will come one day. God promises a future where there will be no more pain, no more sorrow, no more sickness, no more suffering, no more death of any kind. Our wanting this isn't the problem. Our expecting it right here, right now, and the way we want it, that's the problem. You see, we're in an age where God's eternal plan to win back the trust of human beings that he created. It's still in progress, which means God is allowing sin and evil. [00:16:38] (46 seconds)
Now, again, that sounds like a pretty discouraging message, doesn't it? Until you realize that for those of us who've put our trust in Christ, we've returned to Him and come back into union with Him through our trust in Him, there is more that we can expect. There's more. You see, we can raise a hallelujah in the middle of our storms because of the more that God offers us, that God promises, the more that we can expect from our God. In his letter to the Romans, the Apostle Paul, he explains this more like this. He says we are confident that God is able to orchestrate everything to work towards something good and beautiful when we love Him and accept His invitation to live according to His plan. [00:18:21] (52 seconds)
Some of the best and most beautiful work he wants to do is in our wounded life. He wants to bind up those wounds and heal our broken hearts from all the pain and the hurt from our past. And folks, I think far more than we realize it, it's the wounded life that is driving the decisions we make in our lives. And far more than we realize it, it's the wounded life that is on display in our reactions our reactions to situations and our reactions to people I mean we often think that it's a person or situation that is the problem we got to fix the problem when the truth is that person that situation is just simply poking the problem because my real problem is my wounded life it's buried beneath the surface my wounded life that desperately needs healing [00:25:07] (58 seconds)
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