Those Who Pray and Those Who Prey

Today is observed as Palm Sunday – the time the Jews came to Jerusalem for their ceremonial cleansing as part of the Passover Week. It also marks the start of the most trying week of Jesus’ earthly life; any Christian can tell you about Jesus being feted with palm branches and cloaks spread on the road as he rode into town on a simple donkey. Praises of “Hosanna!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!” were heard throughout the crowd. Upon finally entering Jerusalem, when some curious people asked “Who is this?” the crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth of Galilee (Matthew 21:10-11). He didn’t come in claiming special privileges, but in humility. He came to give His life in obedience to God’s will.

Notice Jesus was humble – none of the “Do you know who I am?” indigent attitudes that we see from so many people, ex. Kanye West, many politicians, the affluent, school board members. He also knew his earthly days were nearing a close.

We should be wary of who is praying for us, and who is preying on us. There is a difference. In the church, many people are at their most vulnerable points of the week (if 11 am on Sunday morning is not, then there are some exceptional thespians) when they come seeking prayer either at altar call or the invitation to discipleship. Having a rough time at work? Unruly children? Surly bosses? Finances cannot get stretched any further? Car stays in the shop for various reasons? This is why we come together to pray for one another, petitioning to God our wants, needs, and desires. Praying people hold a genuine interest in our souls in addition to being those individuals we lean on in difficult circumstances; without prayer, I would not have made it to this point within the journey in NICU with my daughter Caeli. Throughout the New Testament, Jesus illustrates the times He steals away for a moment or two – and once all night – to converse with God:  in the garden; for his disciples; in private; never ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17); for unity (John 17:20-23); and so forth. While prayer is intended as a private conversation between God and the speaker, it should always be done in a manner that glorifies Him as Father.

For all the people who pray for us, consider the two harrowing facts:  Not everyone on their knees is praying, and not everyone who is praying has the proper intentions. Some do pray for a downfall, as that can support their self-serving benefits and confirm a certain narrative they wish to pass along. Ten years ago, director Tyler Perry released The Family That Preys in theaters starring Alfre Woodward, Kathy Bates, Taraji P. Henson, and Cole Hauser of 2 Fast 2 Furious fame detailing how the perceived weak are preyed upon in a power struggle. Perry showed greed, serial adultery, emasculation, and a blunt disregard of the spiritual being. No one is going to wish ill upon one another, yet we so often step in the way with our puffed chests and judgmental demeanors. Within the community where my church resides, we occasionally see a visitor who sits in the way back of the building not to receive the Word the pastor studied all week to provide his flock but to get money from the church. There are nearly one hundred churches in the county I live in, yet they find themselves on the hill shamelessly soliciting. I know once they get the money, then it is curtains for a repayment and an absence until the next time around – and after the other four nearby congregations have been exhausted from similar shenanigans. Another person who preys is someone who calls only when (s) he wants something, ex. a ride home from the big city, to borrow money, or help him or her move. You know the ilk, and I do too:  you’re the reason why I am so grateful for Caller ID. Later during Passover Week, we see how Judas, the Pharisees, and Sanhedrin all preyed on Jesus to fulfill their objectives. Even the craps-shooting soldiers who hustled for His clothing were complicit in their predatory actions!

This week, remain especially cognizant of not only those who pray for us, but those who prey on us. Jesus came for our sins despite His seemingly clear role as prey for the ruling Romans and Jews for shaking the proverbial apple tree to make an eternal impact.