TODAY -

On Palm Sunday Hosanna chant cheered Christ

Lunminthang Haokip *



SCRIPTURAL ROAD MAP: I wasn't a wolf in sheep's clothing. I was a wolf which didn't bother to put on a sheep's clothing. Now, I am a tired and retired civil servant, by the Lord's grace. It's my desire to be 're-tyred' after retirement from IAS to serve the LORD in a higher 2.0 IAS (In Almighty's Service).

I came to know about my calling when God showed me 2 Chro 29:11, "My sons, do not be negligent now, for the LORD has chosen you to stand before Him and serve Him, to minister before Him and to burn incense."

After my conversion in 1994, God gave me many promises that in totality, charted out a path I should take as a part-time preacher anchored to public service. It was a feeling of hope and happiness to learn that "the Lord has been my shield and exceeding great reward (Genesis 15:1)." Even playing a small obscure part in a supporting role in God's vineyard is an 'exceeding great reward' in itself.

A REVERSAL IN PERCEPTION: I was good from far but far from good. Accepting Jesus as my Lord and personal Saviour changed my take on life. I launched out into middle level bureaucracy as SDC. I hoped that conversion would make SDC 'Self-Denying Crusader.' After a change of heart, the Lord taught me how to make MCS 'Mortified for Christ's sake.' And my notional induction into IAS (I Am Saved) happened in 1994.

In Feb, 2021, my God fulfilled His promise in 2 Chro 29:11. In Feb, 2021, I was ordained as an ECA Upa (Ordained Elder). In 1994, immediately after my conversion, I developed cold feet when I was asked to share the Word of God. Like the colt Lord Jesus asked His disciples to untie, I prayed that the Spirit may ride on me and saddle upon my stiff nerves.

After preaching practices inside the motor car in which I was the lone rider, the Lord taught me how to begin and call for verdict in a sermon.

CHRIST WANTS TO USE YOU: Luke 19:29-31, "As He approached Bethphage and Bethany at the hill called the mount of Olives, He sent two of His disciples, saying to them," Verse 30, "Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here." Verse 31, "If anyone asks you, 'Why are you untying' tell him, 'The Lord needs it.' The statement presupposes the absolute authority of Jesus over any object of creation, including animals.

We too are social animals; and the masterpiece of His creation. We see around us as to how men of woman-born are being raised and lifted up from their banal subsistence to phenomenal levels of prominence and limelight when they respond with abs obedience to the call of the Lord. A man chastened and mentored by the Word of God, indeed, becomes 'a new creature (2 Cor. 5:17).'

BE A VALUE-ADDED PERSON: Before the Word of God activates a soul, he is tied tight to sin. Repentance and confession of sin untie the burden of his bondage. When Jesus sat upon the ass on Palm Sunday, the 'beast of burden' enjoyed a celebrity animal status. It became a 'value-added' carrier. Accepting Jesus adds on to the intrinsic value of a person. He or she becomes 'wanted' in needy sinners' circle.

A donkey is not known to be an intelligent beast. In Manipuri, 'gadha' is equated with a fool. Left untied, the donkey Jesus rode on could have remained as an obscure 'carrier of heavy goods.' Carrying the sin-load even after Jesus had shown the way to unburden the soul is like a man who refuses to keep his head-load aside even after being given a lift by a passing vehicle. Jesus said, "My yoke is easy, and my burden is light (Matt. 11:30)."

SALVATION CAME TO ZACCHAEUS' HOUSE: Zacchaeus was just another tax collector of short stature. Tax collectors, then and now, are never popular with the people. Amidst the crowd, he could not see the Messiah. But he made an effort to clearly see the visiting Son of man. In his zeal to have a clearer view, the midget tax-man climbed up a sycamore fig tree (Luke 19:4).

Meditating upon the Scripture will make us know Jesus better. The extra-mile effort made by Zacchaeus struck a chord with the Christ. He said, "Zacchaeus, come down immediately, I must stay at your house today (Luke 19:5)." Luke 19:6, "So he came down at once and welcomed Him gladly." The climb-down made his spiritual stocks go up. You've got to climb down from your 'respectable status' to meet Jesus.

THE TINA FACTOR: The tax-man was short but his faith was tall. He gladly obeyed like a child. Hospitality coupled with child-like obedience saved his household. "Verily I say unto you, except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 18:3)."

We refuse to humble ourselves like a child, and suffer the sorrow of the paucity of salvation in our homes! What a joy it was that the Lord Himself declared, "This day is salvation come to this house (Luke 19:9)."

Zacchaeus' voluntary confession of sin and guilt earned him eternal life. The TINA (There Is No Alternative) factor is at work even today. The tax collector took a wise sharp turn in knowing Christ personally. His act of meekness got him saved from damnation and paved the way for entry into the world of salvation.

WE ALL ARE SINNERS: Zacchaeus was willing to leave no stone unturned to gain salvation. But the detractors around his neighbourhood left no turn of his unstoned! In the bargain, even Jesus wasn't spared in their slander.

Luke 19:7, "They all murmured, saying, That He was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner." What a lopsided observation? We all are sinners. "For that all have sinned ((Rom. 5:12)." Oblivious of their own sins, the detractors were harsh on Zacchaeus.

There are many who don't see themselves as sinners. Therefore they cannot qualify themselves to be in the 'zone of consideration' for divine forgiveness. Outside that zone, sinners cannot repent. They will lament later.

LET US BE SAVED SINNERS: The tax-collector exhibited penitence, knowing he was a sinner in need of being saved. He confessed that he defrauded his subject. A new heart moved him to give back fourfold to who he wronged. Romans 10:10 says, "For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved."

In the spiritual struggle to gain forgiveness of sin, accepting the bitter truth that one is a sinner, is half the battle won. This awakening made Zacchaeus a 'saved' sinner. Hardened hearts remain 'unsaved' sinners! Delays have dangerous ends, it's said. It's more applicable for those eternal optimists who delay their repentance.

SET FREE FROM THE LAW OF SIN AND DEATH: The chant of Palm Sunday is Hosanna which means 'Save, I pray.' But there are certain things a sinner has to do so as to come out clean from the condemnation of guilt. Zacchaeus was a worldly publican. In order to meet Jesus, he climbed down from the branch of the tree.

A sinner, in order to become a winner, must climb down from peaks of self-righteousness, political-correctness, worldly-minded-ness, pride, self-importance, fixation to 'what others will think' etc. The fear of death and being burnt eternally in hellfire should belittle all other fleshly entanglements. We can reject the deliverance offered by Jesus at the cross only at our own peril and regret in hell.

CONFESSION OF SIN SETS THE TONE: The fear of possible or near air-crash drove to my broken confession of sin. Hearing the messages of God's servant, Uncle Joshua Daniel, in 1994, brought about a change of mind in me that led to a change of heart. When I repented for and confessed my sins, God 's grace let me know that my sins were forgiven.

What a merciful God we have ? I was on cloud nine as I opened my Bible at Romans 8:1 & 2, "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." Verse 2, "For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death." Nothing else has the power to free man from the guilt of sin.


* Lunminthang Haokip wrote this article for The Sangai Express
The writer is an IAS (Retd)
This article was webcasted on April 01 2023 .



* Comments posted by users in this discussion thread and other parts of this site are opinions of the individuals posting them (whose user ID is displayed alongside) and not the views of e-pao.net. We strongly recommend that users exercise responsibility, sensitivity and caution over language while writing your opinions which will be seen and read by other users. Please read a complete Guideline on using comments on this website.




LATEST IN E-PAO.NET
  • Archaeology: Culture of Manipur : Booklet
  • Violence in Manipur 2023-2025 : Timeline
  • Wanna be a singer? Get Botox
  • A Central institute in Manipur
  • Nagging in the name of love
  • COVID-19: Update 02 July 2025 : Manipur
  • 'Benefits' of Indira's Emergency
  • Social Stigma :: Poem
  • Inking a peace pact: Why, how: SoO quagmire
  • Van Mahotsav under shadow of declining forest
  • 11th Th Kishan Memorial Lecture : Gallery
  • Shinthoibi, Jangvei, Tamphaton : eMing
  • Manipur crisis & the Left media's blind spot
  • COVID-19: Update 01 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Bombom RK : Musclemania Universe NYC
  • The Grief :: Poem
  • Music Concert & Quiz (MCQ) 2.0
  • SoO agreement unlikely to be scrapped
  • Regulating use of plastic carry bags
  • Mera Houchongba @Kangla #4 : Gallery
  • International Day of Yoga @JNMDA : Gallery
  • BD Behring: The inimitable Gentleman I knew
  • Violence in the name of patriotism : Misguided
  • Daily oral vs long-acting injectable for HIV
  • COVID-19: Update 30 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Smile :: Poem
  • Why was President's Rule imposed ?
  • BJP under pressure to forge unity
  • Kang @Leikai in Imphal : Gallery
  • July Calendar for Year 2025 : Tools
  • COVID-19 : A recurring crisis in Manipur
  • DC Kaith and Forestry in Manipur : Book
  • COVID-19: Update 29 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Longing for Peace :: Poem
  • Black badge, slogan protest by peeved scribes
  • Present the true picture before Delhi
  • Pung-Cholom @ Polo Tournament : Gallery
  • Life: A Journey Through Thought & Being
  • Khongjai Hills & Kuki claim to indigeneity
  • Master Time by Managing Information
  • COVID-19: Update 28 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Pride & patriotism in CCpur's army families
  • The Power of Poppy - 87 :: Poem
  • World Decarbonisation Day: green environment
  • Welcome Home - Nganthoi #2 : Gallery
  • Loss of two precious lives from Manipur
  • Balancing civil liberties with public safety
  • COVID-19: Update 27 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Gender equality & human rights are indivisible
  • Stay hydrated this summer season
  • Silent Half of the Sun :: Poem
  • Connecting the dots in the wishlist
  • Assembly record tampering claims by ex-CM
  • The immortal legacy of Pukhramba Kajao
  • International Day against Drug Abuse 2025
  • COVID-19: Update 26 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Black pottery from Ukhrul - tribal heritage
  • Program on "Mission-Drug Free Campus"
  • Play makes a better world
  • Urgent Appeal to the Honourable MLAs
  • Tribal Empowerment Campaign at CCpur
  • Talk doing the round: PM to come
  • 'Emergency' relief for under-fire BJP
  • Golden Jubilee Art Fair @Imphal : Gallery
  • Declaration: Meetei People Convention, Delhi
  • A Flower Among the Rocks :: Review
  • Book Donation Campaign
  • Improved road connectivity boosts livelihoods
  • To Have Great Dreams :: Poem
  • COVID-19: Update 25 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Regret vs Sorry: Technical & moral insight
  • Cocktail of inept Govt, selfish people
  • State trailing others in cleanliness
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #6
  • UHI effect & rising temperatures in Manipur
  • Frequent road blockades cripple economy
  • COVID-19: Update 24 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Unite Health with Community health services
  • NSU, Imphal, tops IIRF Ranking 2025
  • Endless conflict :: Poem
  • Pak nobel pish prize for Trump
  • May 3, 2023 - June 24, 2025: Failure of Delhi
  • Hotter days, sudden rainfall no more a rarity
  • "The Great June Uprising" #2 : Gallery
  • How to Build a Career, Lead with Purpose
  • 2nd Foundation Day- Karnataka Meitei Assn
  • COVID-19: Update 23 June 2025 : Manipur
  • NSCN-IM Amnesty threatens to isolate it
  • Sunset :: Poem
  • Intl Yoga Day for a healthier environment
  • Of clogged drains and plastics
  • Poor roads testify Govt indifference
  • Welcome Home - Nganthoi #1 : Gallery
  • The Silent Erosion of Manipuri Language
  • Design health services around people
  • Serene Hills Host Inspiring Int'l Yoga Day
  • COVID-19: Update 22 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Chopper services between Senapati & Imphal
  • High Court Judges interacted with convicts
  • Redyeing the Fabric :: Poem
  • Differences yet to be resolved stand
  • Border fencing rage as solution eludes
  • Radio E-pao: 14 new songs updated
  • Climate Adaptive Agroforestry
  • Manipur overlooked demographic shifts
  • Young designers shine on Fashion Stage
  • COVID-19: Update 21 June 2025 : Manipur
  • International Day of Yoga at Lamphelpat
  • International Day of Yoga at JNMDA
  • The Power of Poppy - 86 :: Poem
  • Keishampat Lairembi Haraoba #1 : Gallery
  • Crisis in Manipur's Contemporary Education
  • Best 8 Performances in Manipuri Cinema
  • Identity: Caught between China & India ?
  • COVID-19: Update 20 June 2025 : Manipur
  • To The Father Who Listens :: Poem
  • How does net suspension affect youths ?
  • Targeting farmers to cripple state's economy
  • The virus is back and spreading
  • Who is afraid of Manipur ?
  • A threatened lily growing at Shirui Hills
  • World Environment Day in Manipur : Gallery
  • Ambubachi Mela at Maa Kamakhya
  • COVID-19: Update 19 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Dolls made from repurposed vegetable refuse
  • Condemns Attack on Farmer & Killing
  • Abhorrent politics of SoO
  • Police arrogance on harmless drivers
  • "The Great June Uprising" #1 : Gallery
  • Solution from Buddhist & Jain perspectives
  • AI sparks employment concerns in Manipur
  • Greatest Foe :: Poem
  • Chief Justice at Relief Camp, Kangpokpi
  • Call for Recognition of a 3rd Category of IDPs
  • Jun 18, 2001- May 3, 2023: Seed of violence
  • Contract scam in hill districts
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #5
  • Spaced Out - Panthung Di Kadaaida! : Rvw
  • Condemns the Killing of Abdul Qadir
  • COVID-19: Update 17 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Thoubal aspirant makes Manipur proud
  • Tamenglong hospital brings quality healthcare
  • Chief Justice at Relief Camp, Mayang Imphal
  • Kuki CM & Sixth Schedule
  • Selective protests, selective silence
  • Nailing the culprits need of the hour
  • UK Meetei diaspora run for Myanmar : Gallery
  • Erwin Khundrakpam : NEET-UG 2025 topper
  • Will we rise to #endAIDS challenge or stumble
  • COVID-19: Update 16 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Appeal to Prime Minister: Manipur Crisis
  • Urges Action on Misinformation
  • Condolences : 2 young cabin crew
  • Grateful To Be Alive :: Poem
  • Making bonfire on the roads
  • Aggression yet again, inspite of playing victim
  • Aftermath of flooding @ Khurai #2 : Gallery
  • Zomia, geopolitics, & the struggle for unity
  • COVID-19: Update 15 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Condolences : Demise of 2 Manipuri Girls
  • Manipur unites in grief after Air India tragedy
  • Hail arms recovery as step toward peace
  • Cleanliness Drive at JNIMS Campus
  • Global Wind Day for a clean environment
  • First came the rain, then the heat
  • Rise in Covid-19 cases
  • Thang-Ta Day @Khuman Lampak #3 : Gallery
  • Meetei diaspora in UK runs for Myanmar victim
  • Manipur empower children with disabilities
  • COVID-19: Update 14 June 2025 : Manipur
  • World Blood Donor Day 2025
  • The Power of Poppy - 85 :: Poem
  • A Northeast Gin Makes Its Mark
  • Mera Houchongba @Kangla #3 : Gallery
  • Saluting Nganthoi, Lamnunthem : Joining hand
  • Condolence : Nganthoi & Lamnunthem
  • 50 years of Pebet #2 : Gallery
  • Indo-Naga Talks (From 2012) :: Timeline
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #4
  • Namphake Monastery @ Dibrugarh : Gallery
  • Protest @Checkon -AT arrest [Jun 9] : Gallery
  • Protests - AT arrest [Jun 8 night] : Gallery
  • Aftermath of flooding @ Khurai #1 : Gallery
  • /li>
  • Flooding at JNIMS Hospital #2 : Gallery
  • North East NSS Festival @ MU : Gallery
  • 27th Meira Paibi Numit : Gallery
  • Trump's tariff legacy & its global echo
  • Flooding at JNIMS Hospital #1 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #3 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #2 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #1 : Gallery
  • S Nirupama @Miss Universe : Gallery
  • Protesters to Raj Bhavan [May 25]: Gallery
  • Human Chain @Airport road [May 26]: Gallery
  • Miss Shirui Pageant Contestant: Gallery
  • 48 hrs Bandh: protest security forces: Gallery
  • Protest Rally: Journalist harassment: Gallery
  • HSLC 2025: Full Result (Check Roll No)
  • HSLC 2025: Important Info & Grading System
  • HSLC 2025 : Compartmental candidates
  • HSLC 2025 : Comparative Statement
  • HSLC 2025 : Statistical Abstract
  • HSLC 2025 : District Pass Percentage
  • HSLC 2025 : Govt School Pass %
  • HSLC 2025 : Aided School Pass %
  • HSLC 2025 : Private School Pass %
  • People's Convention on 3rd May #2 : Gallery
  • Featured Front Page Photo 2025 #2: Gallery
  • Riya Khwairakpam : HSE Science Topper
  • Keisham Hannah : HSE Arts Topper
  • Warepam Lidia : HSE Commerce Topper
  • HSE 2025 Result : Science Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Result : Arts Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Result : Commerce Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Information / Abbreviation
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Science
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Arts
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Commerce
  • HSE 2025 : Pass Percentage
  • HSE 2025 : Result Abstract
  • HSE 2025 : Candidates with Highest Marks
  • Ougri Lirol :: Part 1 : Ooba Video
  • President's Rule in Manipur : 1967 - 2025
  • Downloadable Manipuri Calendar :: 2025