The other day, I came across part of an old sermon that John Piper preached in 1983 (before I was even born…. Whoa, how old is he? ) and he was talking about the meaning behind the word “Hosanna.” He shared that in the Psalms, “Hosanna” is used as a cry for help, like if someone pushes you into a pool and you can’t swim so you yell, “Help, save me!” yet in those verses, it is still immediately followed by “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord” pointing to the One who brings salvation (Psalm 118:25-26). Over the years the meaning of the word changed from a cry for help, to a declaration of the help that has come. Rather than yelling “Help, Save me!” after being pushed into a pool, we see the lifeguard coming and yell, “Hosanna- my Salvation has come!”

This week I’ve been dwelling on what that means… like what it really means for me personally, and I’ve been overwhelmed by that. My cry for help has been replaced by the declaration that my salvation has come. I’m so thankful that I worship the God who doesn’t leave His people to rescue themselves but has made a way for each of us to be with Him.

Sometimes the most profound things are best put in simple terms, so in the words of my favorite children's book, The Jesus Storybook Bible….

God loved his children too much to let the story end there. Even though he knew he would suffer, God had a plan- a magnificent dream. One day, he would get his children back. And one day, he would wipe away every tear from their eyes.

You see, no matter what, in spite of everything, God would love his children- with a Never Stopping, Never Giving Up, Unbreaking, Always and Forever Love. And though they would forget him, and run from him, deep in their hearts, God’s children would miss him always, and long for him- lost children yearning for their home.

Before they left the garden, God whispered a promise to Adam and Eve: “It will not always be so! I will come to rescue you! And when I do, I’m going to do battle against the snake. I’ll get rid of the sin and the dark and the sadness you let in here. I’m coming back for you!

Praise the Lord He chose to save us in spite of who we are! Hosanna- Salvation has come!

On another note... this is my most recent favorite song. Check it out- Sooo good!