Translating Triumph

“The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad.”- Psalm 118:24

Everything about Easter translates joy and hope.  The bright assortment of outfits and hats; children giddily racing around on an egg hunt; families and friends gathering for a special meal; services filled with first-time guests, seekers, and people re-engaging church. 

The above Psalm was a prophetic, praiseworthy promise of the coming Messiah who would deliver salvation, reign forever, and be the cause of great joy for God’s people.  Psalm 118 is what the crowds shouted in joyous triumph as King Jesus made His way down the Mount of Olives and into Jerusalem.  The people who witnessed His coming were able to connect this moment to what had been written centuries before.  In a way they were TRANSLATING the promises of God to what was happening before their eyes in present time. 

Translation is important when using your phone to find a specific word when engaging someone who speaks a different language. Translation is important when using a recipe that has different measurements than you are used to. Translation is important when deciphering a teenager’s text with abbreviated words, unfamiliar terms, and silly emojis.  And for us in this Easter season, like those at the Triumphal Entry, we want to experience a heavenly translation and transformation today.  In Matthew 6:9-10 Jesus taught His disciples to pray with the following translation, “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”

Let’s translate the verse from Psalm 118 by looking at three words we can hold onto as a hope:

1. “The LORD has done it…”- Our God brings life.  He is our source and sustainer.  Hes does all things well.  He will accomplish His purposes and deliver abundant life (John 10:10). 

2. “this very DAY…”- Today is a promise, a gift, and part of His salvation plan (2 Corinthians 6:2).  Let’s believe for God to show up in our lives, displaying His glory and releasing His grace.

3. “let us REJOICE today and be GLAD.”- Our response to the Lord should be marked by gratitude.  Take time to thank Jesus for all He has done and is doing (Hebrews 13:15). 

Discovering and deciphering the miracle of all that Jesus has for us in a fresh way this Easter!