Today I am reprising a post from last year’s Easter season that I thought might be perfect for this year. After all through this long-long Covid season we have been forced to learn to wait. I don’t know about you but waiting is not high on my list of things I am dying to do. Have you ever seen a seminar on waiting? So to not make you wait any longer let’s re-visit our friend the donkey!

Now when they drew near Jerusalem, and came to Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Loose them and bring them to Me. Matthew 21:1-2 NKJV
Some days I feel a lot the donkey in this story. Everyone else had something important to do but the donkey. I hate to wait because it makes me feel helpless. But just like the donkey, waiting gives God time to accomplish His plans on His schedule.
First, the donkey waited quietly. Imagine what might have happened if the disciples came and found the donkey and its colt wildly tugging at the ropes tying them. Just as the disciples were looking for gentle beasts that would be useful for their master, so God is looking for hearts quietly waiting for His call.
Second, the donkeys had to be ready to go. I wonder if the donkey had bucked and kicked as it was untied if it would have been brought to Jesus. But, isn’t that the way we sometimes react when we are called to do something new?
Last of all, because the donkey and her foal waited, they were brought to Jesus. Like those donkeys,, we are also not forgotten. Instead, we are like a restaurant table that has been reserved for the master’s use. When Jesus comes, we must be ready and waiting. We must be willing for Him to show us where to go because we will only get where Jesus is going, when we are ready to wait until He calls.
I just read this again, and it’s finally sinking in. That donkey and her colt were right where they needed to be. Staying available to God by staying put. I going to remember this the next time my “squirrel like” ways make me anxious to take matters into my own hands. Thanks, Pete. Great post—especially for those of us who hadn’t read the first one. Blessings.
Thanks Dave
Yup it’s encouraging to know that if I am patient in faith Jesus even has need of donkeys like me!
Your second point really spoke to me, about the donkey not bucking and kicking. Metaphorically, I’ve been guilty of giving my reasons rather than ready and gentle obedience. A bit like Moses saying he was not eloquent in speaking to God who made his mouth.
Thank you for sharing these simple yet profound lessons drawn out of the donkey’s ready willingness to do what it was created and called to do.