ARE YOU PREPARED TO BE USEFUL TO JESUS?

Mark 11:1-6

¹ When they were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples ² and said to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and as soon as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there who has not yet been ridden; untie it and bring it. ³ If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ just say this, ‘our Lord needs it and will send it back here soon.'” ⁴ They went away and found a colt tied near a door, outside in the street. As they were untying it, ⁵ some of the bystanders said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” ⁶ So, they told them what Jesus had said; and they allowed them to take it.

commissioned colt

The colt had been tied up right at the entrance to the city, and when the watchers heard that Jesus needed it, they understood. The colt had no superpowers, and – as far as I can tell – no special intelligence. It was just there at the right time when the Lord was going to go on a ride. Nobody knows what happened to that colt after its work was done. But everyone will remember that day it was useful to the Lord.

As I reflect on my life so far, the character in the New Testament I most identify with is that commissioned colt. For one brief, shining moment, I have been useful for my master, and that is enough.

LORD, use us for your glory, and give us the wisdom to not stay tied up when you call.