RIDE ON, RIDE ON, IN MAJESTY

[Pastor Bayo Afolaranmi]

Dearly Beloved,

RIDE ON, RIDE ON, IN MAJESTY

“The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David!’ ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’ ‘Hosanna in the highest heaven!’" (Matthew 21:6-9 NIV).

Henry Hart Milman (1791-1868) wrote this popular hymn, RIDE ON, RIDE ON, IN MAJESTY, to commemorate the Triumphal Entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem as He prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice on the cross. The hymn unites meekness and majesty, sacrifice and conquest, suffering and glory. Each stanza of the hymn begins with "Ride on, ride on in majesty." Majesty is the theme of the hymn as Henry Hart Milman helps us to experience the combination of victory and tragedy that characterizes the Triumphal Entry. Jesus Christ is hailed with "Hosanna" as He rode forth to be crucified. People honoured Him with palms and scattered garments on the road He would pass through. He knew He was going to die in Jerusalem, but His death would bring victory. It is his triumph "o'er captive death and conquered sin". The hosts of heaven were looking down with sad and wondering eyes awaiting the victory of Jesus Christ as with expectation. As Jesus Christ was about to have His last and fiercest strife, God the Father was also expecting Him in victory. Finally, Henry Hart Milman exclaimed that Jesus Christ rode forth "in lowly pomp ride" in spite of the mortal pain to take His "power and reign!"

This event was a significant event, not only to the people of the days of Jesus Christ on earth, but to all Christians throughout history. It is significant because it is the story of the King who came as a lowly servant on a donkey, not a dancing horse, not in royal robes, but on the clothes of the poor and humble. Jesus Christ did not come to conquer by force as earthly kings, but by love, grace, mercy, and His own sacrifice for His people. His is not a kingdom of armies and splendor, but of lowliness and servanthood. He conquers not nations, but hearts and minds. His message is one of peace with God, not of temporal peace.

If Jesus has made a triumphal entry into our hearts, He reigns there in peace and love. As His followers, we exhibit those same qualities, and the world sees the true King living and reigning in triumph in us. Allow Him to ride on in majesty in your life!

In His service,

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).