The crowds escorting Jesus into Jerusalem were animated by
various things. Some were pilgrims en
route to celebrating Passover. Others
were looking for a healing touch from Jesus or just plain curious about His
ability to raise the dead (Jn 12:9). Still
others were merely swept up in the excitement of an enthusiastic crowd and
really didn't know what was going on.
Each person had his own reason for walking, singing, shouting and laying
down branches. The one thing they all
seemed to have in common was excitement.
In terms of redemptive history,
it was the glorious fulfillment of messianic prophecy (Mt 21:4-5; Zech 9:9; Gen
49:11). The majestic heir of David was
entering Jerusalem amid loud acclamations of praise and salutation. He didn't arrive in a chariot or on a war horse or
with an army. He came as the Prince of
Peace doing what rulers usually did in times of peace, viz. riding a colt (cf.
1Kgs 1:33). In terms of human psychology, this was an
example of misguided expectations mingled with strong emotions. Those present were probably greatly stirred
by the thrilling experience of participating in such an event. How often does one get to be part of a vast
multitude escorting a prophetic miracle-worker into a capital city? The event was filled with emotion. Given their mistaken expectations, there was
likely a great deal of confusion as well.
Only days later, many if not all in this crowd would turn on Jesus and
demand His execution. Crucify Him! They would yell, and yell
it more than once (Mk 15:13-14).
Emotionalism is a very dangerous "-ism." It is the label we give that approach to
faith and life which elevates feelings, moods and emotions to the top tier of guiding
principles. Sadly it characterizes many modern
American Christians. In and of
themselves feelings and emotions are God-given gifts for which we should be
thankful. They are what Robert Lewis Dabney
called man's motive power. The
intellect, he said, is that which directs the ship's compass, while the
feelings are the elastic energy which throbs within the machinery. Without them, the ship will be motionless,
regardless of how accurate the ship's rudder might guide it. In most endeavors, to be successful, we need
feeling, emotion and excitement to press on and persevere, especially when
circumstances get tough. Jacob's seven
years' service under Laban seemed like a few days because of his deep love for Rachel
(Gen 29:20). The Psalmist often
expresses his passionate desire to commune with God and worship among the
saints (e.g. Psalm 84:2). It is this
heartfelt desire and spiritual joy that enables a believer to persevere through
even the most difficult situations. But
unless our emotions are harnessed by truth, they will run away with us. It is a bit like riding a wild colt which has
a mind of its own! Unharnessed emotions characterize
children who are tossed to and fro by the various waves and winds of doctrine
(Eph 4:14). To solve this problem, Paul
advises speaking the truth in love
(Eph 4:15). This is what gives the necessary
structure within which we may joyfully experience the most powerful of human
emotions, those which often imbue our worship in the presence of God! Sound doctrine, good theology, biblical truth
will provide the proper framework within which that glorious, throbbing energy produced
by strong, spiritual feeling will infuse and motivate the Christian life.
As I said, it seems modern American Christians are
overly-emotional. Better yet, they are emotional
without having a proper framework within which to enjoy their feelings and emotions. We should not value good feelings, warm
impressions and thrilling experiences to
the exclusion of sound doctrine. Regrettably,
how one feels has become the only gauge of spiritual health and
well-being. If I feel good, I may conclude that everything is right with my soul. Modern worship services often cater to this approach. Whether or not one's worship is "acceptable" is for many a novel and
offensive concept (cf. Heb 12:28). Strange
is the "old-fashioned" notion that regardless of how I feel, I should
worship the Creator, humbly bow before the King and adore the infinite
perfections of Almighty God. Our
generation seems to have forgotten that worship is to be a service to God, not a
session for man! Like those
animated crowds escorting Jesus into Jerusalem many today are sincerely enjoying
the experience, but are being easily discouraged and disillusioned as
difficulties arise. When Providence
brings the many tribulations through
which one must pass to enter God's Kingdom (Acts 14:22), the overly-emotional
Christian – the rocky ground hearer! – soon withers and falls away (Mk
4:17). This is tragic and it happens too
often. James is unambiguous in his
declaration: Blessed is the man who remains steadfast
under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life,
which God has promised to those who love him (Jas 1:12).
What we need today is what we have always needed… a sure-footed, well-rounded,
biblically-founded understanding and commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ. The
wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable… (Jas 3:17). Pure doctrine is vital to the Christian
life. Believers should know and embrace
and treasure the truths of Christ's incarnation, substitution, crucifixion,
resurrection, intercession and ultimate exaltation. They should be familiar with creation and
providence, sin and salvation, faith and repentance, the law and its
usage. They need to know about man's
ruin, Christ's redemption and the Spirit's regeneration. They should study the truths associated with
the themes of guilt, grace and gratitude.
Within this doctrinal framework, let the feelings throb and the emotions
run deep! Let us rejoice in the Lord and
shout His praise! Let us experience
those glorious foretastes of heaven where the saints will enjoy eternal
pleasures at God's right hand (Psalm 16:11).
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