The Praise Parade

Parades create excitement. There is the beat of the rhythm section and the syncopated response of the pavement pounding marchers. There are the ruffles and flourishes of the brass section, the “umpa pas” of the tubas, the wave of the flag bearers, the swish of the majorettes, and the arrogant high steps of the drum major.

A parade has the power to create excitement and anticipation with or without marching bands, floral floats, beauty queens, circus animals or convertible cars with waving celebrities. A parade can be a source of inspiration. It can inspire people to learn, practice or replicate what they see. It can be used to sell an idea, make a statement or support a cause.

It can signal an event. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade announces the official start of the holiday shopping season. The Presidential Inaugural Parade signals a transition of power from one president to the next, a bloodless transfer of power.

A parade also has the power to draw a crowd. And, the parade described in Mark’s gospel was no different the day that Jesus was the divine dramatic drum major or the marshal of his own parade.

This parade made a statement. The people draped garments on a never been ridden donkey and spread leafy branches that they had cut from the fields. It was an act of honor similar to Israel’s pattern of royal processions.

This was a parade of praise. There is something powerful about praise. It is infectious. It inspires people to participate not just spectate. The praise in this parade was not done to manipulate the crowd or God. It was an honest to goodness praise for who God is and what God can or has done. There were perhaps those in the crowd who had just witnessed the miracle of he formerly blind man named Bartimaeus. Those in front and back of Jesus shouted Hosanna meaning save us or save now. Hosanna blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord has become a liturgical formula for praising God.

Thus, this parade supported a cause, the salvation plan of God. As the people were rejoicing in a praise parade, they were also saying “Save Us” to the only person who could really grant them salvation, Jesus, the King of Kings, Lord of Lord, the only Savior who could save.

The praise parade signaled the transition that was about to take place. This would be no bloodless transfer of power, but a blood shedding event on a cross. Jesus had a date with death. The parade would culminate on Resurrection morning as Jesus rose from the grave with all power in His hands.

Those who have experienced the power of Jesus in their lives continue the praise parade daily. Let’s join the Hosanna crowd shouting “Save Now” to the only Savior who can.

By
Bishop Vashti McKenzie