Archive for October, 2024

29 Oct

The Triumphant God

Posted by Zachary P. Hubbard in advice, Bible, christ, Christian, Christianity, Culture, forgiveness, Israel, Judaism, Psalm Sunday, Religion, Salvation, simplicity, Sin, spiritual, Uncategorized, war. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , .

The triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, Matthew 21:1-11

The dominance of Rome

As a retired Army Officer, I find Roman history fascinating.  The Roman Empire’s territory in Jesus’ time completely enveloped the Mediterranean Sea. Roman society was very militaristic. The military played a central role in the empire’s territorial expansion, governance, and social structure. Rome aggressively employed its strong military capabilities to conquer new territories and maintain control over its sprawling empire. Military prowess was a key aspect of Roman cultural identity.

The Roman Senate sometimes granted a festive procession through the streets of Rome to pay tribute to a general who was victorious in battle. Called a Triumph or a triumphal procession, it was a grand and elaborate ceremony designed to celebrate and publicly recognize the military achievements and conquests of the general being honored.

A Triumph was a blend of religious, political, and social elements, showcasing the glory of Rome. The general being honored wore a special ceremonial toga. He rode in a chariot drawn by four horses, followed by his troops, prisoners of war in chains, strange animals from the conquered lands and wagons filled with the spoils of war. Adoring citizens lined the streets, cheering as the different elements of the Triumph passed by them. The air was full of the sounds of music and chants, creating a jubilant, reverent atmosphere. The Triumph not only honored the general but also reinforced the power and splendor of the Roman state.

Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem

In Jerusalem a large crowd of Jews gave Jesus an impromptu Triumph of His own. His triumphal entry into Jerusalem is described in all four Gospels: Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11:1-11, Luke 19:28-44, and John 12:12-19. Each provides a slightly different perspective on the event, but they all highlight the significance of Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem as the fulfillment of prophecy. Jesus’ triumphal entry, in Christian tradition, marks the beginning of Holy Week. It sets the stage for the events leading up to His crucifixion and resurrection, which are central to the Christian belief that Jesus is the Messiah, the son of the living God.

According to the Gospels, Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey (or colt), fulfilling a prophecy found in both Isaiah 62:11 and Zechariah 9:9. As He approached the city, a large crowd gathered, spreading their cloaks and palm branches on the road before him. They shouted “Hosanna” (loosely translated as “save us” or “help us”) and praised Him as the “Son of David” and the “King of Israel.”

The atmosphere at Jesus’ triumphal entry was one of celebration and anticipation, as the jubilant Jews who were present believed him to be the promised Messiah, who they supposed would be a military leader who would free them from Roman oppression. However, in stark contrast to a Triumph for a Roman General, Jesus’ humble entry into Jerusalem symbolized the peaceful role of His mission as Messiah, the humble King of Israel who fed the hungry, healed the sick, cleansed the lepers, gave sight to the blind, prayed for His enemies, and washed the feet of His disciples.

Sadly, most of the Jewish people and religious leaders failed to recognize Jesus as Redeemer, the sacrificial Lamb of God who would suffer and die under the orders of Pontius Pilate and after three days gloriously rise from the dead, conquering sin and death once and for all. Jesus freely sacrificed himself for the sins of the world and offers eternal life to all who believe on Him and profess that He is the son of God. We all need the Most Holy Redeemer of the world. Jesus Christ is the Triumphant God.

Prayer to the Most Holy Redeemer

 (Anima Christi)

Soul of Christ, sanctify me.

Body of Christ, save me.

Blood of Christ, embolden me.

Water from the side of Christ, wash me.

Passion of Christ, strengthen me.

O good Jesus, hear me.

Within thy wounds hide me.

Never permit me to be parted from you.

From the evil Enemy defend me.

In the hour of my death call me.

and bid me come to thee,

that with your saints I may praise thee

for age upon age. Amen.

2 Corinthians 2:14 – “But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession…” 

* All Bible quotes are ESV

Bing Copilot AI was used to assist with the historical research used to write this piece.

7 Oct

Blessed

Posted by Zachary P. Hubbard in advice, Bible, Christian, Christianity, civil rights, Culture, defense, Education, Freedom, Gifts, graduation, Politics, Prayer, Religion, security, Simple Living, simplicity, war. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , .

Afghan woman proudly displaying her purple forefinger, dipped in indelible ink at a voting station where she cast her vote in the national election. This was a way of ensuring voters voted only once.

It was sunny and warm in Louisville, Ky. on Saturday, June 28, 1975. That’s the day I boarded a bright yellow school bus at an Army recruiting station for a short journey to Fort Knox, where I was scheduled to undergo Army basic training or boot camp as it’s often called. Only a few weeks earlier I’d been a bright-eyed college student receiving his associate degree in Munich, Germany.  My mother Phyllis and stepfather Ray were still in Germany—Ray was an Army officer with the rank of lieutenant colonel, assigned to the U.S. Army Europe headquarters in Heidelberg.

After what seemed like hours, the bus turned into the main gate of Fort Knox. Entering the post felt very familiar, as I’d lived there during my freshman and sophomore years of high school while Ray worked at the Armor School. About ten minutes after entering the post, the bus turned down a side street and then swung into the parking lot of Delta Company, 13th Training Battalion, 4th Training Brigade, home of the Delta Demons. Delta Company would be our home for the next several weeks.

Peering out the bus window I could see two tough looking fellows wearing olive drab fatigues and the iconic Smokey Bear hats that identified them as drill sergeants. Their fatigues were starched stiff with creases that looked sharp enough to slice an apple. Their uniforms fit like gloves. Their boots were polished to a mirror finish. Not a hair was out of place. All you needed was one look at these impressive gentlemen to know that they were pure badass!

The driver opened the bus door and we were greeted by a booming voice.  “Off the bus and line up.  Move it ladies!”  After a clumsy exit, fumbling with our bags and bumping into each other, we school boys managed to get into something resembling a line. The empty bus quickly pulled away, leaving us feeling isolated and helpless.  It was then that we were introduced to the two gentlemen who would fill the roles of father, mother, confessor, and mentor for all of us in the coming weeks, as our Drill Sergeants turned a bus full of boys into men.

Thus began my 26-year career in the United States Army, an adventure that ended in 2001 with my retirement from our nation’s “Big Green Fighting Machine.” My career led me to assignments in the United States, Western Europe, the Balkans, Africa, and the Middle East.  Looking back, those were good years all in all. Sure, the hardships were many, but the adventures, excitement and camaraderie far outweighed the hardships.  I can’t help growing a bit nostalgic every time I think about it.

I wish the United States still had a military draft.  Even better would be three years of mandatory military service for every American girl and boy, starting at age 18. At least one year would be spent overseas, being exposed to other cultures and languages. It would be a better education than pursuing a four-year degree. It would also strengthen our nation by showing college age citizens how blessed they are to live in America.

Today’s world is full of danger. Look no farther than Ukraine or the Middle East for proof. Unfortunately, few of those in Congress have military experience as a frame of reference to help guide them when making decisions that could draw our nation into war.  

The presidential election is only weeks away and the ugly political slurs are flying like bullets in a drive by shooting. Politicians from both side of the aisle are quick to tell us how bad we’ve got it and how it’s all the other side’s fault. Don’t believe it. One thing my time in the military taught me is that, despite what shifty politicians might say to the contrary, we Americans have much to be thankful for.   

James 1:17 tells us, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”  Here are just a few gifts Americans should thank God for. Remember them when you lie down to go to sleep tonight.

  • Across the land we enjoy relative safety from the government and other people.
  • We enjoy the freedom to worship as we choose.
  • Our leaders are elected by the people.
  • Access to free, basic education is widely available.
  • Safe drinking water is usually readily available.
  • Sanitation services are available to help prevent sickness and disease.
  • We grow enough food to feed our population and have extra to export.
  • We have a robust transportation infrastructure to distribute the commodities we need.
  • We enjoy abundant natural resources to produce energy.
  • Electricity is generally available across the land.

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.  –Numbers 6:24-26

* All Bible quotes are NIV.