Donkey Day by Phil

Today I'd like to pay homage to the humble donkey, whose unfortunate ancient name has caused much derision and more than a few chuckles. In fact, this poor animal was replaced by a lamb in modern renditions of the classic Christmas song "What Child is This?" If you were ever teased because of your name, you'll empathize with our friend, the donkey.

The donkey was domesticated in Africa between 5,000 and 7,000 years ago. They were probably first used as pack animals in Nubia and were vital in the development of long-distance trade across Egypt. Donkey's proved to be so useful they quickly spread across Asia and into Europe. In first century Rome, a former Greek slave and baker invented the first mechanical dough mixer that was powered by a donkey walking in circles. This baker, Marcus Vergilius Eurysaces, may have been the first person to become wealthy by working his a$$ off.

At about the same time, a donkey was chosen to carry Jesus into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. (Biblical bonus: this was prophesied in Zechariah 9:9, "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.")

One more fun fact, did you know that all donkeys have a cross on their back running down the spine and across their shoulders? Donkey expert Dawn Maton, president of the Western Australia Donkey Society states, "They've all got them, even the dark ones. If you shaved their fur, you would find the cross on their skin."

The donkey's back cross is best seen from above, which makes me wonder - when Jesus was riding the donkey into Jerusalem and looking around at the cheering crowd, did he look down at the donkey's cross and feel a tinge of apprehension for what he knew awaited Him a few days later?

Today I celebrate this often overlooked participant in the events of Holy Week. I'm thankful for the donkey who carried the weight of the Savior, who carried the weight of the cross, which carried the weight of my sin. Thanks for reminding me that righteous redemption rests on the humble shoulders of my Savior.
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Amen!!
Phil and Pam

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