April 19
HOSANNA, LOUD HOSANNA
Jennette Threlfall, 1821–1880
Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest. (Matthew 21:9)
The week preceding Easter Sunday is known as Holy or Passion Week. These seven days have been described as the most intense and important week of history. The dramatic events that occurred during Christ’s final days on earth are recorded in all four gospels (Matthew 21; Mark 11; Luke 19; John 12).
Palm Sunday: John 12:12–15— The only day of triumph known by Christ in His earthly ministry. A fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy (Zechariah 9:9).
The Lord’s Holy Anger: 1. At a fig tree that bore no fruit (Matthew 21:18–19). 2. At the moneychangers who were misusing the temple (Matthew 21:12, 13).
The Last Supper: Matthew 26:26–28— Observed on Maundy Thursday.
The Foot Washing: John 13:1–10— An object lesson taught by Christ regarding the basic qualities of true discipleship: humility, purity, and servanthood.
The Song of Victory: Matthew 26:30— This last song was likely one of the imminent Hallel Psalms, Nos. 115-118.
Gethsemane: Matthew 26:36–46— Three times Jesus prayed, while His disciples slept, “O Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt!”
The Kiss of Betrayal: Mark 14:44; Luke 22:48— “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?”
The Perverted Trial: Matthew 27:11–26— Christ charged with blasphemy and sentenced to die as a criminal against Rome.
The Crucifixion: Matthew 27:33–38— Most Christians believe He was crucified on what is now known as Good Friday. The church color for this day is black.
“Hosanna, Loud Hosanna” was written by Jennette Threlfall, an invalid English woman who was known for her cheery disposition as well as her many published poems. This text first appeared in the author’s volume Sunshine and Shadow, in 1873.
Hosanna, loud hosanna, the little children sang; thru pillared court and temple the lovely anthem rang; to Jesus, who had blessed them close folded to His breast, the children sang their praises, the simplest and the best.
From Olivet they followed ’mid an exultant crowd, the victor palm branch waving, and chanting clear and loud; the Lord of men and angels rode on in lowly state, nor scorned that little children should on His bidding wait.
“Hosanna in the highest!” That ancient song we sing, for Christ is our Redeemer, the Lord of heav’n our King; O may we ever praise Him with heart and life and voice, and in His blissful presence eternally rejoice!
For Today: Matthew 21:1–11; Mark 11:9, 10; John 12,13
Sing this Palm Sunday hymn with your family— p 123
Kenneth W. Osbeck, Amazing Grace : 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions (Grand Rapids, Mich.: Kregel Publications, 1990). 122.
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