Zechariah 9:9 — “Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, daughter of Jerusalem! See your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”

Another Passover season was approaching and Jesus and His followers made preparations to travel to Jerusalem. A cloud of unrest overshadowed the joy of the holiday. So much difficulty had occurred in the previous weeks causing the disciples concern over their Master’s safety, not to mention their own. Yet they had learned to trust and obey Him.

They set out, and upon reaching the small village of Bethphage, Jesus gave some strange instructions. He appointed two of his followers to enter the village where He told them they would find a tethered donkey with its colt.

“Bring them to me,” He instructed. “And if anyone questions you, tell them the Lord has need of these animals. They will comply with your request.”

These men did not question Jesus’ instructions, but instead they went and did all that He asked with unquestioning obedience.

At the time I doubt they had any idea they were participating in the fulfillment of prophecy. They were just doing what the Lord asked. Yet their actions contributed to a scenario that had been foretold hundreds of years before in the book of Zechariah.

Mounting the colt, Jesus rode into the great city of Jerusalem amidst the excited cheers of the crowds.

This was the beginning of a week to which all of the Old Testament pointed. The exuberant mob would soon turn violent and revolt.

Yet the Savior directed every single detail. The One who kept an unbroken colt completely calm in the midst of a riotous celebration also allowed the masses to shift sentiments and lead Him to the cross. There, using a Roman torture device, He would fulfill His purpose of bringing salvation to the world.

The Lord’s complete control over every step of the journey to the cross is such an encouragement in our own personal journey here on earth. It is easy to be deceived into thinking that difficult experiences are unplanned mistakes. This could not be further from the truth. God has ordained the details of our lives and is expertly working out His plan for us. Our job is not to panic, but to trust and obey.

This week as you consider Jesus’ final days on earth, let the story encourage you, strengthen you and renew your desire to trust and obey the Savior’s every command.

When life gets hard and confusing, remember God is still in control of every detail and our unquestioning obedience leads to unbelievable blessing.

Sandra Sheridan is a Midwest wife and mother of five. She shares her messages to her children with Farm World. Visit her at www.VersesFromMama.com