Mark 11:1 – 6

¹¹ As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples, ² saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. ³ If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly.’” ⁴ They went and found a colt outside in the street, tied at a doorway. As they untied it, ⁵ some people standing there asked, “What are you doing, untying that colt?” ⁶ They answered as Jesus had told them to, and the people let them go.

Sometimes in group activities or ice breaker games I’ve had to name my favourite animal. It’s really hard to pick as I admire many animals, but the one that I have ended up picking is the donkey. For me it’s what my Christ and Saviour rode on, on his triumphant entry to Jerusalem, where he was going to die for my sins. A symbol of peace and humility.

If I dig a little deeper, I suppose it brings me comfort. Knowing that Jesus chose something that wasn’t tamed or ever ridden before, a stubborn animal and very likely to bolt in the chaos of the crowds, a simple animal, not majestic or impressive, and he was willing and able to use it for his purpose.

I pray that I can be in the right place at the right time when my master needs me and asks for me. I pray that I can be willing to cooperate despite my stubborn nature. I pray I can be untied from the things that hold me down and keep me away from serving my master. I pray that I can have the humility and obedience to serve him and bring his peace and grace to the people around me.

Petrina Rangiawha – Creek Road