"As Jesus and the disciples approached Jerusalem, they came to the town of Bethphage on the Mount of Olives. Jesus sent two of them on ahead. "Go into the village over there," He said. "As soon as you enter it, you will see donkey tied there, untie it and bring it to Me." (Matthew 21:2 NLT)
Two of the disciples got sent out on donkey duty. How humbling. The rest of the crew stayed with Jesus, surely doing more important Kingdom business. These guys got sent into Jerusalem to acquisition an unbroken donkey.
I may be reading into it, but I’d probably have a bad attitude. I’d probably be annoyed by my short straw and wish I was with Jesus instead. It never would have occurred to me that my burro-borrowing might be part of the bigger picture, but it most certainly was. We learn just a few verses later that Jesus’ donkey ride into the city fulfilled ancient messianic prophecy.
"This took place to fulfill the prophecy that said, "Tell the people of Jerusalem, 'Look, your King is coming to you. He is humble, riding on a donkey – riding on a donkey's colt." (John 12:14-15 NLT)
It strikes me that a task that we may perceive as dumb might actually be Kingdom-critical. I find this incredibly encouraging as I am neck-deep in my own donkey-collection duties!
It’s also helpful to remember that God still delights in obedience. Maybe even especially obedience when we don’t yet understand. Scripture tells us that these two mule-retrievers didn’t recognize the importance of their errand until much later, but they did eventually have an ah-ha moment.
"His disciples didn't understand at the time that this was a fulfillment of prophecy. But after Jesus entered into His glory, they remembered what happened and realized that these things had been written about Him." (John 12:16-17 NLT)
Often our understanding happens in the rearview mirror. We get some miles under our tires and start to see what God might be accomplishing. I still believe that full revelation is reserved for heaven, but it’s comforting to get a glimpse of Kingdom come whilst still here on earth.
When I’m really going through it, this sort of thinking actually helps me. I’ll tell God, “I’m really looking forward to seeing how this one is going to bring You glory!” Revelation may require months or even years, but He always manages it. There have been so many situations I’ve labeled as disappointing or disastrous, and yet, somehow He turns it around for the good of His Kingdom. His past performance record is strong enough to trust Him today; even when things are confusing or hurtful. I know that in a little while, all this will make sense. One day soon, I’ll get a glimpse of what He’s accomplishing. He is well-worth waiting for.
Lord, we admit we don’t love being on donkey duty. We long to be near and needed, not relegated to seemingly small tasks. We are reminded, no obedience is inconsequential in the Kingdom. Please give us the stamina to follow through even when we don’t understand. We thank You for every glimpse we get and commit to keep walking out Your commands regardless of our current comprehension. Amen.