Hosanna! Save now!

So many images, memories, and scripture come to mind.

A lifetime of Good Friday’s, and Resurrection mornings!

I have even been to a few Sunrise Services over the years. Even though I might have grumbled and complained a little at the time, they were wonderful experiences. Getting up before dawn just to be at church, or an outside gathering, to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord is special. Very special.

I do love and revere the week of Easter. Palm Sunday, Good Friday, Easter Sunday and everything in between,  should be a time to give thanks.

Strong’s Concordance gives the original meaning of “Hosanna” as “Save now, or Save, please”, specifically in the Old Testament where it is referenced in the Psalms. Save now, I beseech you, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech you, send now prosperity.” Psalm 118:25.

And Clarke’s commentary has this to say,

“Save now, I beseech thee – These words were sung by the Jews on the feast of tabernacles, when carrying green branches in their hands; and from the הושיעה נא hoshiah nna, we have the word hosanna.”

So when Jesus entered Jerusalem, humbly riding on a donkey, or colt, it would have been appropriate for the Jewish people to cry out,

Hosanna! Save Now!

Some assumed He had come to reign as King on this earth, to save them from their life of “serving” the Romans. They wanted a deliverer!
Jesus did not come to be an earthly king, He came to reign in the hearts of men and women. 

But to others, the  term had changed over the years to mean something a little different. Psalm 118:26, the very next verse, is followed with; “Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the Lord.” This cry for help, “Save now!” was immediately answered with shouts of praise that the Deliverer was coming! Salvation was on its way! Whether they recognized it or not, the answer to their prayers was entering the city.

They would not only be delivered, they would truly be SAVED!

  • Saved from their sins and made new creatures! “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17.
  • Saved to rise again on that great, and coming, Day of the Lord! “For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” 1 Corinthians 15:52.
  • Saved to live a life full of the Spirit of God, sharing the Good News! “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” Acts 1:8.
  • Saved to make a difference in the life of others! “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45.
  • And saved…to someday spend forever with the Lord. “He that overcometh , the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his nameout of the book of life…” Revelation 3:5.

He gave them more than they imagined, more than they asked for. He gave His very life so that they (and we!) would not have to.

He came as Hosanna…in the Highest…and then forever changed the world.

Join me all this week as we reflect and celebrate the Resurrection and feel free to share your Holy Week remembrances with us!

Kingdom2

 

 

 

15 thoughts on “Hosanna! Save now!

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  3. Candace Jo Post author

    I did that too! I love Easter and looking forward to Sunday. Blessings!

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  7. Linda@Creekside

    HOSANNA! Blessed be the name of the Lord …

  8. Candace Jo Post author

    Sunrise service on the beach would be amazing! Cannot imagine, but would love to experience it. Thanks for sharing, Floyd. Blessed Easter week to you and your family!

  9. Sharon

    Thanks for your comment on my blog this morning. It’s great to read the things that you’re contemplating this Holy Week. I never tire of remembering the Rescue that was brought to us on a Cross, nor the Life that was guaranteed by an empty tomb!

    GOD BLESS – and have a wonder-full Easter!!

  10. Floyd

    Amen. HE gave us everything! Without Him there is no redemption and it would be hard to imagine the history of the world without the power of His Holy Spirit.

    Last year we in California and attended a sunrise service on the beach. It was beautiful.

  11. Holly Barrett

    I did not know that was the original meaning of Hosanna! Thanks for sharing that, Nannette. Great food for thought as this Holy week begins.

  12. joanneviola

    I am finding myself grateful that I too can yell, “Save me” & He does. I also agree with Lisa’s comment above regarding that the people were off in their timing. How precious to think that as we look towards our returning King, we will also one day be standing before the throne and holding palm branches in our hands. May you be blessed this week as you reflect on all which was accomplished for each of us, in and through the Cross. Thank you for sharing this wonderful post!

  13. Candace Jo Post author

    Wonderful thought and so true, Lisa! Thank you for stopping by…have a blessed Holy Week!

  14. lisa

    I’ve always found it interesting that the Jews were correct in looking for a King to reign on this earth, they just were off in their timing. The King they were looking for appears in Revelation. Thanks for the great post!

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