By Keith Short

Excitement was building, and the entire town was looking forward to the coming event. Plans had been made, it seemed like years ago, and many different people would be involved. The event had to be done just right and near perfection. The only problem now was waiting for the special day.

When you are expecting something, you anticipate what will happen, but you still have to wait. You probably know the feeling. This was the feeling of everyone in my town—those who were involved and even those who were not directly involved.

Chosen

It may not seem important to you, but I was chosen as the one. Many people wanted this position and many people were dreaming about the opportunity that might come their way. A decision had been reached, and I was the person. You might be asking, What were you chosen for? 

The event was the town parade. It was not just any old parade—this one was going to have Miss Kentucky riding in a car. And not just any old car—a Corvette, Indianapolis Pace Car. And the driver was to be—you guessed it—me! I must be honest, I was more excited about driving the Corvette than having Miss Kentucky with me in the car. (At that time, I owned and drove a mere Chevette.)

Humbled 

Let me move on quickly to the end. After the parade ended, I went home to change clothes and take the Corvette back to its rightful owner. I laid the keys down and changed clothing. When I came back, the keys were gone! I went from being on cloud nine to the very bottom of the barrel. Humility hit me quickly and suddenly.

Jesus was not riding in a Corvette but on a donkey. The King of kings was on such a lowly animal. The parade committee would normally never agree to this, but God had foretold how the King would enter the city; he had specific details concerning the transportation for Jesus. Obedience would be the key. Obey is exactly what the disciples did when getting Jesus a ride.

What a lesson in itself for us today. Obedience made that parade both triumphant and victorious.

Keith Short is the preaching minister of Community Christian Church in London, Kentucky. He and his wife, Aleta, have been married for 44 years and have two married sons and one granddaughter.