Compliant Colt and Screaming Stones - Who Is This Jesus?

"Tell the daughter of Zion, 'Behold, your King is coming to you, lowly, and sitting on a donkey, a colt, the foal of a donkey.'"  (Zechariah 9:9)

The two disciples thought they heard Jesus correctly: "Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Loose them and bring them to Me. And if anyone says anything to you; you shall say, 'The Lord has need of them.' and immediately he will send them."

As they approached the village, they looked at each other with that look... the one they've used before - as if to say, "are you thinking what I'm thinking?"  As they turned onto the street, sure enough, there was the colt - tied up outside by the door, just as He said.  As they begun to untie the colt, the owners approached them and said, "Why are you loosing the colt?" 

Then they both chimed in saying, "The Lord has need of him."  They held their collective breath until the owner finally nodded in their direction.  They carefully led the animal down the dusty, uneven path out to where the Lord was.  First one, then the other laid their garments on the beast as a befitting gesture to the Lord.  He mounted the compliant colt and rode slowly towards Jerusalem.

Many onlookers began spreading their garments on the road, and others cut down leafy branches from the palm trees that shaded the crowd from the glaring sun.  By now a great multitude had gathered; some following from behind and some went ahead of Jesus, crying out, "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!  Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!"

The King of Kings was entering the Holy City on a lowly donkey...  There was no white stallion or blazing chariot for this royal ruler.  No - this was a servant King who chose to humble Himself and give the glory to His Father.  As his disciples began to rejoice with the people, praising in loud voices for all of the mighty works they had witnessed, there were those who were less than impressed.

Some of the Pharisees called out to Him from the crowd saying, "Teacher, rebuke Your disciples."  Their rising discomfort had more to do with their self-righteous attitudes and pious indignity than it did with genuine concern.  Jesus said to them, "I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out."

[Key passages shared are Matthew 21:1-10 , Mark 11:1-10 , Luke 19:28-40 , John 13:12-15]

The donkey no doubt had an "aroma" about him as they headed down the bumpy pathway. However, there is a sweet fragrance that rises up to the Father as prayers, praises and testimonies all make their way through the throngs of humanity.  As the Apostle Paul so eloquently states in II Corinthians 2:14-15 , "But thanks be to God, Who in Christ always leads us in triumph [as trophies of Christ's victory] and through us spreads and makes evident the fragrance of the knowledge of God everywhere. For we are the sweet fragrance of Christ [which exhales] unto God, [discernible alike] among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing..."  (The Message)

Today, as in the times of old, there are many who do not recognize His Deity. 

They marvel at His works and embrace His teachings.  They acknowledge His wisdom and admire his morals, but there are still observers who ask, "Who is this Jesus?"  During this Easter season think about what you believe and how you might share it with others. Do you have a special Scripture reference? What is your answer for the hope that lies within you? 
(I Peter 3:15-16)

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”.  It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together.  Visit

http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

Compliant Colt and Screaming Stones - Who Is This Jesus?

Author Showcase - Diane Tatum & her book "Gold Earrings"

Daughter of a bordello madame and an Italian  captain of the seas, Angelina Mercy longs for a new life, free from the  condemnation associated with her mother’s home in Boston. A former navy man,  Jonathan Thomson has accepted God’s call and become a minister of a small  congregation.  Adrift from his Yankee heritage in the Missouri plains, Jonathan longs for a family of his own. Pursuing Alice, the daughter of the town's wealthy patron, Jonathan believes he can tame her wild ways and accomplish more as a preacher once so established.  When Angelina's guardian and Jonathan's seminary professor learns of Jonathan's misguided intentions, he seeks out a solution to aid both individuals, providing a new home for Angelina in St. Joseph, and Angelina and Jonathan are brought together with a strong initial attraction. Can Jonathan ignore Angelina's Gold Earrings, a constant reminder of the implications of her less than pristine parentage? And will Alice succeed in keeping Jonathan from Angelina? 

This is a brief glimpse into Diane Tatum's new book "Gold Earrings".  This touching novel is set in the rural heartland and has all the charm of a quaint small town. The resilient heroine - Angelina - will inspire you in this touching tale of love against all the odds.

Here's a Brief Interview with Diane:

Tell us a little about your background.

I grew up in a Christian home in north St. Louis County.  I hold two degrees, BS-Business Administration and a Masters of Teaching-Language Arts. I taught Middle School language arts for 11 years in Tullahoma City Schools. I have two sons and two daughters-in-law. My husband Ken is an aerospace engineer at Arnold Engineering Development Center.

What inspired you to write your book?

One rainy day on the school bus to high school, the germ of Gold Earrings came to me. I wrote the short story that week. I’ve worked on the novel ever since, off and on. I finally finished it prior to returning to school for my master’s and teaching certificate.

What kinds of reactions has the book generated thus far?

One kind reviewer suggested that it should be a Hallmark movie! Everyone seems to love it, says it’s a fast read, and that they cannot put it down until they get to the end.

What's the main message that you'd like readers to take away from it?

No one should judge others by their appearance or their family background.

What’s next for you?

I’ve almost finished a 2^nd Christian historical novel that occurs during the Civil War. It’s called A Time to Choose.

Any final thoughts you'd like to share?

I am so excited to see Gold Earrings finally in print! I’m also so excited to be working with the John 3:16 Marketing Network to spread the word about Christian books!!

How can our readers learn more about you and contact you directly?

Email: tatumlight@gmail.com

Website: http://dianeetatumwriter.weebly.com

Author Bio

Diane E. Tatum began writing in grade school with short mystery stories, a play performed by her sixth grade class, and a dictionary of supernatural beings.  High school found her writing serial fiction with her friends, including developing characters and plot lines through hand-written notes.  Gold Earrings is an outgrowth of a short story written in a high school creative writing class, More historical Christian novels are in the works; most are part of an historical series.

                 

Diane has written many assigned pieces for Lifeway, including curriculum, devotions, and assigned articles for leadership magazines.  She has also branched out into freelance publication including poetry, leadership articles, a story for teens, and helps for parents.  In addition to her writing career, Diane taught middle school language arts for 11 years.  She has worked as a church youth group leader and worker since 1981. Her recent “retirement” from teaching allows her to focus on her own writing. She is loved and supported by her husband, Ken, and their 2 sons and daughters-in-law.

Please visit Diane's Blog: http://tatumlight-tatumsthoughts4today.blogspot.com/ 

You can purchase Diane's book on Amazon here:  Gold Earrings

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”.  It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. 

http://www.Godmissionpossible.com

Author Showcase - Diane Tatum & her book "Gold Earrings"