An Unbridled Donkey

Posted on Mar 4, 2018 by Anna Thoreson in Devotions |

 
 

““Go into that village over there,” he told them. “As soon as you enter it, you will see a young donkey tied there that no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here.” (Mark‬ ‭11:2‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

 

Today I read about the Palm Sunday donkey and I thought about us.

Donkeys have been characterized as stubborn creatures, but they actually aren’t. They are fearful. An unbroken donkey is cautious, wary and uneducated. They won’t move forward until trust is established. Fear causes them to freeze, not obstinance. Unbroken donkeys need to be is enticed, not forced.

An unbroken donkey isn’t much of an asset until someone invests the time and patience required for breaking. Jesus, of course, accomplishes this in a moment. He speaks possession of this donkey via His disciples when He says “the Master has use of it.” He redeems the donkey and us for Kingdom service, regardless of the state He finds us in. With His gentle, authoritative touch, we can serve the Kingdom splendidly.

Donkey trainers are encouraged to ask often; “what’s in it for donkey?” Donkeys are motivated by an apple or a carrot, but we are motivated by eternity. We serve faithfully here because reward and citizenship await us in heaven.

“As they were untying it, some bystanders demanded, “What are you doing, untying that colt?”” (Mark‬ ‭11:5‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

 

When we are being used of God’s people will wonder. But God knows what He is doing with us and we need to trust His perfect plans. This donkey’s future just got a whole lot brighter. His moments in service to Jesus would surely be the highlight of his livery career. So shall be said of us. Our days in the King’s service will be our sweetest.
 
“Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their garments over it, and he sat on it.” (Mark‬ ‭11:7‬ ‭NLT‬‬)
 

The Savior throws His garments on us. He covers our barnyard-sullied backsides with His white robes of righteousness; an outward symbol of our new belonging in Christ.

“Jesus was in the center of the procession, and the people all around him were shouting, “Praise God! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Mark‬ ‭11:9‬ ‭NLT‬‬)
 

And just like that the donkey is a part of Christ’s journey to the cross. The same is true for us. When we surrender to Jesus, we get included in His story and lost in His glory. We don’t know what happens to the donkey from there, it doesn’t matter. What matters is that he served the Savior for a season and that’s what gave him value in eternity.

 

 
Lord, thank You for calling us and making us invaluable in Your Kingdom. We are reminded that we are not stubborn but fearful. You address our fears and set us about Kingdom service. Our best days are with You. Thank You for clothing us in righteousness and thank You for the brilliant promise of Your Kingdom ever before us. Keep us moving toward and with You until that glorious day. Amen.