He was despised and rejected by mankind,
    a man of suffering, and familiar with pain.
Like one from whom people hide their faces
    he was despised, and we held him in low esteem – Isaiah 53:3

For Meditation

It was steaming on this fateful day, as Mr. Domar sat in the shade of a tree, waiting for a local bus to the main bus terminal—one of the best times to reminisce. Domar was returning to Accra after his niece’s wedding.

Quite an accomplished man from a humble background, he had worked his way through school. He became an orphan before completing secondary education. He was intelligent too!

A great job in a government trading company as a messenger opened to him, and he worked his way to a managerial position. So, he lived with no cares.

The extended family became his responsibility. He did everything to educate the young ones for a better future. As a result, he assumed prominence and respect in the family, as everyone looked to him for help.

Problems come in unsuspected ways and can destroy every good thing one has built over the years. Mr. Domar fell victim to a well-crafted trap on the job that led to his dismissal without benefits. Life became hard. The queue to his house dwindled to zero, and the auctioneer became his best friend. Brother Job can better tell the story.

Praise God for salvation! Domar gave his life to Christ, and life healed well. By His grace, God had carried the four Domar children through university and into good jobs. Life was getting better, and soon, public transport would again be a thing of the past. Or so he thought. His children will buy him a car soon, he mused, as he sat under the tree.

Yes, soon, and life may improve a bit, like in the old days.

Suddenly, there’s a crowd around the little bench under the tree. What happened? Mr. Domar was sitting there only a few minutes ago.

Sadly, the trip to the main bus terminal would never happen. Instead, the stiff body of Mr. Domar lies in an ambulance, speeding to a nearby hospital mortuary – the hard-working Mr. Domar, a victim of a heart attack.

His children will never forget the sad story of their father—a life sacrificed on the extended family altar. No one cares much but for them. Thank God they had all settled well before his ultimate trip to glory.

Your story may be that of Mr. Domar. The difference is that you are alive. To everyone else, you expired a long time ago. Memories of the days they all ate at your table do not evoke any sympathy for you. You have become like our friend Job, and those who come around you are only like his three friends.

But God has a different story for you. Jesus Christ—cares for you. He has experienced your situation before (Isa. 53:3). He feels your pain and rejection and will comfort you (Heb. 4:15-16). So, as you celebrate His triumphal entry to Jerusalem today, look to Him who can empathize with you and bring comfort to your soul. You are in His excellent hands.

Happy Palm Sunday