Go Get a Donkey

PASSAGE FOR THE DAY:
Mark 11 (click on the link)


KEY VERSE:
He said to them, "Go to the village ahead of you. Just as you enter it, you will find a donkey's colt tied there. No one has ever ridden it. Untie it and bring it here." (Mark 11:2, NIRV)


REFLECTIONS:
Mark 11 continues to chronicle Jesus last days prior to his crucifixion.  The beginning of the chapter finds Jesus nearing Jerusalem giving instructions to a couple disciples:  "Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden.  Untie it and bring it here."  The disciples obey, find the colt just where Jesus said it would be, and bring it back as instructed.

Seems a small thing—go get a donkey—maybe even unimportant, perhaps even below these select few disciples who had been given authority over demons and power to heal the sick (see Mark 6:7-8).  Yet this is what the Lord had for these two on this day.

Of course, we know that Jesus rode this donkey into Jerusalem in what is known as the "triumphal entry" which was foretold by the Prophet Zechariah and has been celebrated in Christian tradition as "Palm Sunday" for centuries.  What may have seemed like a menial task at the time was vital to the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy that the Messiah would come, “riding on a donkey." (Zech. 9:9).

Whether the significance of this errand snapped on these guys at the time or not, I do not know, but the significance of this simple act of obedience has me considering the potential significance of some of the simple things Jesus may ask of me on any given day. It moves me again to want to do what I can to have my heart tuned to what He is saying—to stop long enough to give Him a chance to be heard.

For me, this translates to living (with much grace for imperfection) in the discipline of a set, daily time to stop, pray, listen, read His word.  Without this—I still belong to Him, He is still crazy about me—but I miss much of His life in and through me for the simple fact that I don't otherwise cease my agenda long enough to hear His heart and do whatever thing He may give me to do in a day.  And truly what I lose is much more even than significant acts of obedience which may be significant moves of His Kingdom on the earth. I miss out on living in the apprehended reality of His lavish love for me—as He seems to never fail to embrace me with His love when I purposely turn my heart, mind and body toward Him.

There was a season when I lived in Houston and my children were young that (mostly out of desperation) I was consistently disciplined about making time to spend in His presence.  There was so much fruit during that season—more than I realized at the time. I went back for a visit to Houston recently and ran into a gal who I mostly considered an acquaintance at that time.  She told me how a letter I had written her while I was in Houston had been life-changing for her.  She had been struggling with depression, infertility and a number of other things that had her at a very low point in her life.  She said that the words in the letter I had written were just what she had needed at the time and they ministered greatly to her heart.  She was gushing gratitude. I wasn’t sure how to respond to her heartfelt thanks because, honestly, I didn’t even remember writing the letter. I had some vague recollection of her having had some troubles when I knew her before, but not much else.  So I just said, “Wow… that was Jesus.”  And it really had been.  Apparently this was one of those “little things”—write a note of encouragement—which He had me do one day when I was listening for His instructions and available to obey.  Small thing—MAJOR KINGDOM IMPACT—who would have known?

This is a testimony of His good intentions and ability to do amazing things through us when we listen and obey.  I won’t tell you about the many days, weeks, months, years I have wasted being my own shepherd.  Alone, frustrated, ineffective, weary—I am grateful for His grace that always is ready to take me back in and do great and wonderful things through my little life if I will just listen for the “small thing” for that day and obey.


PRAYER:
Oh, Lord.  We both know I have spent many, many days without giving a thought to what you may have for me.  Forgive me.  Lord, I can't even seem to desire to hear from you unless you work that in me.  I ask that you would wake me in the morning and put in my heart the desire to, first thing, turn my heart, mind and body toward you.  I want to live in your love, live as your quickly obedient servant, hear your voice and do today the "small thing" you would have for me to do.


POINT OF ACTION:
Stop.  Where can you make time in your day to turn toward Him, enjoy Him, remember who He is and let Him remind you who you are?  To listen for the “small thing” He may have for you today.  Make that space to be with Him.  It will make all the difference.


WHO AM I?
Hey! I’m Lisa Kirby.  My favorite things include a warm cup of tea on the couch in front of a cozy fire with a good book on a cold morning;  long breakfasts with friends; authentic engagement with the hearts of other people over polite conversation; my sweet, gracious, generous, beautiful 83 year old momma; my strong, good, faithful, hard-working husband; my 3 kids who are my favorite people to hang with in all the world; animals; babies; naked trees; smelly candles; worship; cozy jammies; old barns; art of all kinds; and sharing what Jesus shares with me.