From Tied Up to Chosen: I Can’t Quit Now!

Palm Sunday marks the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, a moment celebrated with palm branches, shouts of "Hosanna," and the fulfillment of ancient prophecy. Yet, beneath the surface of this joyous occasion lies a profound message about purpose, perseverance, and divine selection. At the heart of this narrative is an unassuming donkey—tied up, seemingly insignificant, yet chosen for a pivotal role in the unfolding story of salvation.​

The Donkey: A Symbol of Divine Purpose

In the Gospel of Mark, we read:​

"As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples, saying to them, '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.'"
—Mark 11:1-2

This donkey, never before ridden, was tied up and waiting. It wasn't a majestic steed or a creature of notable pedigree. Yet, Jesus chose it for His grand entrance into Jerusalem. This choice wasn't arbitrary; it was intentional, fulfilling the prophecy in Zechariah 9:9 that the King would come "gentle and riding on a donkey."​

The donkey's state—tied up and unused—mirrors the condition many of us find ourselves in. We may feel bound by circumstances, overlooked, or unqualified. However, this narrative teaches us that being tied up doesn't equate to being forgotten. In God's timing, what is bound can be loosed for a divine purpose.​

Unqualified Yet Chosen

The donkey had no prior experience carrying a king. It wasn't trained for parades or accustomed to crowds. Still, it was chosen. This selection underscores a recurring theme in Scripture: God often chooses the unqualified to fulfill His purposes.​

Consider Moses, who doubted his speaking abilities, yet was chosen to lead Israel out of Egypt, or David, the youngest of his brothers, overlooked by many, yet anointed as king. The pattern is clear—God doesn't call the qualified; He qualifies the called.​

The donkey's role was to carry Jesus, the burden-bearer of humanity's sins. In doing so, it became part of a story that would change the world. Similarly, when we submit to God's call, regardless of our perceived inadequacies, we become vessels for His transformative work.​

The Journey Toward Sacrifice

As Jesus rode into Jerusalem, the crowd's cheers masked the impending suffering He would endure. The same voices shouting "Hosanna" would soon cry "Crucify Him." Yet, Jesus didn't turn back. He continued forward, fully aware of the cross that awaited Him.​

This unwavering commitment exemplifies the resolve we are called to emulate. In Revelation 12:11, we read:​

"They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death."​

Jesus's journey wasn't just a path to crucifixion; it was a procession of purpose, a demonstration of obedience, and a testament to the power of perseverance. His example challenges us to remain steadfast, even when the road ahead is fraught with trials.​

Embracing Our Divine Assignment

The command to "untie the donkey" is symbolic of God's call to release what is bound for His service. Whether it's our talents, resources, or time, God desires to use what we have for His glory. The question is, are we willing to be untied?​

In our lives, being "tied up" can manifest as fear, doubt, or complacency. These bindings hinder us from stepping into the roles God has prepared for us. Yet, when we allow ourselves to be loose, we open the door to divine opportunities.​

The donkey's journey with Jesus wasn't about its own glory but about serving the King. Our lives, too, are meant to carry the presence of Christ into the world. When we embrace our divine assignments, we participate in God's redemptive work, impacting lives and advancing His kingdom.​

The Call to Persevere

Life's journey is replete with challenges that can tempt us to give up. However, the message of Palm Sunday is clear: We can't quit now. Jesus didn't abandon His mission despite knowing the suffering ahead. His perseverance paved the way for our salvation.​

In moments of hardship, we must remember that our trials are not in vain. They are opportunities for growth, testimonies in the making, and avenues through which God's power is revealed. By holding fast to our faith, we honor the sacrifice of Christ and affirm our commitment to His call.​

Conclusion: Stepping Into Our Calling

The story of the tied-up donkey transformed into a chosen vessel is a powerful reminder of God's ability to repurpose the overlooked for His glory. It challenges us to examine our own lives and identify areas where we may be bound, urging us to surrender those bindings to God.​

As we reflect on Palm Sunday, let's embrace the truth that being tied up doesn't disqualify us from being chosen. Instead, it positions us for a divine encounter that can redefine our purpose. With hearts open and spirits willing, let's declare, "I can't quit now," and step boldly into the assignments God has prepared for us.​