Look at the Palms

Look at the palms.   I have found myself  making that statement as I gazed at the Palm trees along the road from an airport in Central America and along the water is the island paradise of the Florida Keys or on the Hawaiian island of Oahu.     Just the phrase brings memories of beautiful sunsets, tropical breezes, and easy life.

Look at the palms.   That phrase will also come to mind next Sunday when the family of faith gathers to worship in churches large and small.   In rural places and urban centers,  children and adults will wave their palm branches and perhaps place them at a cross.    The church militant will remember Palm Sunday, the day that Christ Jesus entered Jerusalem for the last time with the sound of loud ”Hosannas” in his ears and the sight of palm branches at his feet.    We will remember the One who for a moment was treated like a King knowing that in a matter of days those chants of his kingship would turn to shouts to “crucify him.”  

Let me look at your palms.    I think back to that request of a friend years ago who believed they could look at someone’s palm and tell what the future holds.   Long life or short life?   Trials or triumphs?   I cannot recall the message they saw as they looked at my palms.  But I know this?    You can tell a lot when you look at someone’s palms.  What story could your palms tell?     When was the last time the palm of your hand held the hand of someone you love?     When if ever have your two palms been clasped together in prayers of thanksgiving for the goodness God gives you or in prayers of petition for yourself or someone else?      When was the last time the palms of your hands held a hammer or other tool to make repairs for a home far away or a home nearby?    When did your palms hold a cloth to cool the forehead of a child with a fever or of a friend who was in their final days of life?    When did your palm clasp the arm of a friend or acquaintance as you prayed for them?    Look at the palms, even the palms of your hands.   What story do they tell about the service you have and are rendering in the name of the Lord? The palms of Christ were nail-scarred as he served others.  Who do palms serve?   Have a joy-filled week.-    Pastor Randy Wall 

Prayer:    Loving and living God, we give you thanks for the gift of Christ Jesus.   Help us to open our hands and hearts to new ways to serve the world around us;  through Jesus Christ our Lord.   Amen.