We want to think of Jesus as the guy who stands and waves everyone through the door, kind of like a cosmic buddy. Today he has harsh words, though. He gives warnings to those who want to look holy but are filled with the stench of death. 

Today I hear God asking, "do you trust me?" For your well-being? For your status? It's a tough question, and we're probably not ready to answer, usually. But he asks just the same.

Today seems to be focused on naming. The Psalm calls God by the name he has called himself throughout Zechariah, "Lord of Heaven's Armies," a response that seems to indicate that Israel has finally embraced it. Jesus touches twice on the particulars of marriage, a time when new identities are taken by both parties. "Husband." "Wife." And in many cultures, a name is also changed. But we wear the name of Christ as well. As the church we, are his bride, and we take a new identity in that family.

God is looking for faithfulness. Not flashiness; Jesus actually preached against that. He is looking for a steadfast follower who takes him seriously in the common things, who stays focused on what God is doing.

In addition to the Old Testament connection of Jesus riding into Jerusalem, there's a lot to think about when it comes to out identity as followers today. How are we different as believers? And how will that look if outsiders start to show up?

The conversation between two people who know one another well is interesting. Sometimes it's cordial, but sometimes it becomes very frank, almost rude. Such conversations are taking place today. From the lament of the Psalmist ending with praise, to God telling his people to get on with their lives, to Jesus helping his disciples understand that they needed to rethink his message; these are not throwaway conversations.

A lot of talk to day about reward, but it is not without sacrifice. This is something we must remember as we try to live Kingdom lives in the here and now.

A lot of what we're reading today is about Godly leadership. Remember that we are called to pray for out leaders (in fact, one of today's Psalms is that very type of prayer!), even when we disagree with them.

Not a lot of close connections between these verses, but the passage from Matthew does remind us that God expects us to show mercy, just as he shows us mercy. We are agents of God's blessing.

Today, God is mighty. This is apparent in both our scripture and throughout history.