Is Jesus Welcome in your Life

Mark 11:9 "And when they that went before,and they that followed,cried, saying,Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord".

Jesus' entry into Jerusalem was one of the last steps on His journey to the cross.The parade which proceeded was not by accident,His ministry had been building to this moment.To the crowd Jesus was much like a visiting celebrity,the fulfillment of their hopes for freedom from the Romans.(Many today seek him to set them free from the bondage of a bad relationship, addictions, and financial woes).But like the people of Jesus day,they don't understand the kind of messiah He is or the salvation He brings. See when he died on th ecross the cheering crowds were gone.We often abbandon Christ when a witness is what is needed.They cried "Save now" yet he was not welcome in their lives.WE want to be saved from the enemy on the outside, but he came to save us from the enemy inside.

To many people Jesus is just a curiosity.Every Easter season books, movies,and TV specials stir up interest about Him.Church attendance temporarily increases as people express interest in a all too familiar story, or attend to show off new clothes, or celebrate the season as a family tradition. After Easter, however, attendance declines; the crowds curiosity has been exhausted.Many don't want to take the risk of welcoming Jesus into their lives.

Risk results in change through choice.Jesus had already explained the risk of following Him.See you must deny yourself daily, take up your cross to follow him.This is not a casual decision to join an organization or follow a parade. Instead the risk-taker gives the Holy Spirit permission to change old thought patterns, habits, and relationships, they actually invite Jesus into their everyday lives.Is Christ a curiosity for you, are you a week-end worrior, or are you ready to risk a total commitment,placing Him at the center of your life and permitting His power to change you completely? A large crowd followed Jesus on Palm Sunday, but His following faded at the foot of the cross.Think about your relationship with Christ.How welcome is Jesus in your life?Are you a casual follower who leaves when the going gets tough? Or are you taking risk for Him, placing your life in His hands and following His will? Is Jesus welcome in your life?