"for there was joy in Israel". This was because they (Israel) had a godly leader. When the leader is appointed by the Lord, joy in one form or another is the experience of those so led. The way all kinds of men swore allegiance to David from every corner of the kingdom was a joy ... Read more

"some of them became obstinate, they refused to believe". No matter how attractive the gospel message or how illustrious those who preach it, those who do not respond to it are likely to be hardened by it. The Church of Jesus Christ has grown through those who have responded, not on the doubters and dissenters. ... Read more

"our Lord Jesus Christ". Three wonderful truths about our Lord Jesus Christ: 1. He gave Himself for our sins - unbelievably good news when you realise the way sin drags us down and that we were of ourselves helpless to do anything about it. 2. That He might deliver us from this present evil world ... Read more

"The Lord needs it". Whether by prior arrangement or not, this colt was available for the Lord to use and bring glory to God as He rode into Jerusalem. It provided more than a means of transport and served to illustrate the servant-hood of Christ. It had never been ridden before but bore the Lord ... Read more

"you will not always have me". Jesus defended Mary's action saying that pouring perfume upon His head as He sat at table in a home in Bethany was a beautiful thing to do. All could enjoy the fragrance. She had taken the opportunity when it was presented to her. The criticism that the perfume could ... Read more

"Neither do I condemn you". It is unfortunate that modern scholarship has removed the incident of the woman taken in adultery from some modern translations. However, many of us preached on it with great blessing before most of these versions were published. The marvellous thing is that Jesus did not condemn the adulteress. She feared ... Read more

"as thy days, so shall thy strength be". So it is not a matter of how long your strength will last, but that God will give you strength enough for today. The Lord gives us life a day at a time - you may plan for tomorrow and if those plans work out, look to ... Read more

"they made ready the passover". Some preparation is needed if we are to glean the most from special occasions. (On some occasions, of course, the Lord does delight to bless by surprise.) Jesus told His disciples to make ready the passover, nominating the place where they were to meet, and they did so. If we ... Read more

"he was reckoned among the transgressors". What do we learn from this description of the Son of God? First, things are not always as they appear. A glance towards Golgotha on that fateful day may have given the impression of three criminals being crucified. Closer examination shows One to be the Son of God. Secondly, ... Read more

"he was buried". The burial of Christ completes His death. It was not just an act of kindness; it was confirmation that the act of atonement had truly happened. The wages of sin had been paid. The wrath of God had been appeased. The work of Christ had been completed. The enemies of God had ... Read more