Palm Sunday: expectation and longing for God
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This episode of the St Giles' West Bridgford Podcast explores the themes of longing and expectation through the lens of Palm Sunday, drawing connections between the ancient hopes of Israel under Roman occupation and the modern Christian experience. The sermon begins with Psalm 80, a cry for divine restoration and the return of God's favor, followed by the Gospel account of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The speaker uses the poignant image of a dog waiting by a window for its owner to return as a metaphor for humanity's deep spiritual longing for God. He reflects on how the crowd's joyful acclamation of Jesus as 'Hosanna' quickly turned to crucifixion, illustrating the danger of projecting human expectations onto God’s plan. The message calls listeners to reorient their hearts: to shift from demanding a political savior to embracing a God who invites us into intimate relationship. The sermon concludes with a call to worship not out of habit, but with genuine expectation and longing, urging believers to 'turn your eyes upon Jesus' and let His glory transform their perspective.
Longing for God is a sacred posture that reflects our deepest spiritual need.
Expectations must align with God’s nature, not our desires for power or deliverance.
Worship becomes meaningful when we shift focus from ourselves to God.
The Psalms are a powerful tool for expressing honest longing to God.
True connection with God requires us to 'turn the telescope around'—looking at Him, not just ourselves.
Opening Scripture: Psalm 80 and the Cry for Restoration
“Restore us, O God. Make your face shine on us that we may be saved.”
The Dog in the Window: A Metaphor for Longing
“I wonder how long for the day he sits there, just stands at the window, knows the pain, staring out the window, hoping, expecting, longing...”
Israel’s Longing Under Roman Occupation
The historical context of Israel under Roman rule is explored, highlighting the people’s yearning for a king like David who would deliver them from foreign domination.
Jesus’ Triumphal Entry and the Crowd’s Expectations
“Hosanna to the son of David. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest heaven.”
The Tragedy of Misplaced Expectations
“If worship is not happening for us as God's people, it may be because we've shaped our concept of God in our image rather than us being made in God's image.”
“Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in his wonderful face.”
“I wonder how long for the day he sits there, just stands at the window, knows the pain, staring out the window, hoping, expecting, longing...”
“If worship is not happening for us as God's people, it may be because we've shaped our concept of God in our image rather than us being made in God's image.”
Host
Jesus
person
God Almighty
other
Roman Occupation
other
Psalm 80
other
David
person
Matthew 21:1-11
other
Sistine Chapel
place
Darlene Zschech
person
St Giles' West Bridgford
organization
Grantham Canal
place
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