Dwayne Wedderburn | Hosanna in the highest

At the birth of Jesus, choirs of angels sang. Multitudes of heavenly hosts echoed rejoicing. The atmosphere was filled with the highest praise. Angelic choirs resounded to melodies beyond human octaves, Glory to God in the highest.

As the angelic realm glorified God over the mystery of the birth of Christ, Mary, Joseph, the shepherds and the wise men were awed that the ancient prophesies were fulfilled and they were witnesses of the incarnation of the promised Emanuel. Jesus Christ entered the world as a human baby with the mission to save all mankind from sin and all its penalties. While angels rejoiced at his birth, mankind waited for validation that he was indeed the son of God, they anticipated the evidence that God was truly with us. Heaven watched the unfolding of his mission. Lost humanity languished for its redemption. However, Jesus' coming as a helpless baby caused Israel to be indifferent, they were desirous of a warrior to wrest the kingdom of Israel out or Roman rule and restore it unto them. Much was on the shoulders of Jesus - all of heaven and all mankind and the nation of Israel had great expectations on the results of his mission.

Validating he is the Messiah

His mission was to destroy the works of the devil and to set men free. At the age of 30 the Messiah started his public ministry, preaching the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Jesus began the greatest move of Spiritual revival in history. He called his twelve disciples putting in place a team that will carry on his work after him. He fasted for 40 days and 40 nights getting himself to the highest point of spiritual strength necessary for his mission. He defeated Satan when he was tempted. He turned water into wine. He opened the eyes of the blind. He healed many sick with diseases. He cast out demons, he fed the multitudes, he taught throughout all jury, he walked on water and he stilled the storm. His fame spread like wild fire. He exerted his authority and defeated the devil daily although he was clothed in humanity. The multitudes began to realise that He was indeed the Messiah, the eternal son of God.

"And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strew them in the way. And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the Highest." (St Matthew 21 v9)

Triumphant

Days before the end of his mission, before he faced the cross to shed his blood. He entered into Jerusalem no longer facing indifference, but as a man triumphant over all the works of the devil. All Jerusalem had witnessed his works and knew he indeed was the Son of God and the messiah. They shouted in recognition of him, validated by his work among them. Their praise propelled him to the final chapter of his earthly ministry to face the cross to shed his blood and to defeat sin in the flesh.

We are almost at the climax of the period where we as a nation reflect on the redemptive work of Christ. Let us remember the personal victories that he has won in our nation and in our individual lives. Let us remember the healings, the miracles, the undoing of our heavy burdens, his deliverances, and most of all, his forgiveness of all our sins.

Let us set aside all barriers to our praises this Easter and like the people of Jerusalem, let us endeavour to resound together with all our hearts, shouts of praise and adoration of him who we have come to know and to validate is Lord of our lives and Lord of our nation. Let us reflect on our personal victories in Him; let us in unison sing, Hosanna in the Highest!

Dwayne Wedderburn is an Apostle at World Harvest Mission Church. Please send feedback to worldharvestmissionchurch@gmail.com