Briefing: We all have memories we look back on with great joy. I often find myself in situations wondering if I am in the moment of a future memory that I will look back on, years in the future. How do you know when those moments sneak up on you?

Dispatch (Assignment): Read John 12:12-19.

On the Street: I like how John does not mind telling his readers that they were unaware of current events as they were transpiring around them. Later, they would look back and recognize the prophesies that had been fulfilled right before their very eyes.

I have been fortunate to have received several awards during my career. During the awards presentation, I find myself trying to remember the details that lead up to the event for which I am receiving an award. I would like to have the ability to know, during the moment, when something worthy happens.

This crowd was a result of the stories about Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. The news of this miracle had spread like wild fire and people were coming to see Him.

In the recounting of the Triumphal Entry, we see Jesus riding into town on a donkey. This was a fulfillment of scripture. The disciples were part of history but did not realize it until later.

Do you have moments where you are part of someone’s eternal future? These are moments when you do or say something that has impact on the eternal kingdom of heaven. Examples of this could be sharing your testimony, telling someone your life story and how Jesus had impact on you. It could be a reflection of Jesus through your character or actions.

We will never know, this side of heaven, all of the effects of our words or actions had on people around us. These moments are prompted by the Holy Spirit in much the same way as the bad moments, as stated in the previous chapter, are the result of us falling into temptations.

The challenge for us is to be on the alert for the opportunities to serve and show love the moment the Holy Spirit prompts us. In this story, Jesus is the focus of the moment. It should be no different in the moments we find ourselves in except Jesus is not there in physical form.

Investigational Resources: For more on the Triumphal Entry, read Matthew 21:4-9, Mark 11:7-10, and Luke 19:35-38.

Officer Safety Principle: We need to be alert to the moments and ready to respond as Christ would.

from The Gospel of John Through the Eyes of a Cop
©by Charles Gilliland. Used by permission.
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