Betwixt the beautiful slopes of the Mount of Olives and the town of Bethany is situated a little town called Bethphage.It was a sunny morning at Bethphage and the town was all frantic and busy getting ready for the Passover feast. There was music drifting in the air and women cooking yummy delicacies brought about delicious smell from all directions. Men getting the decorations up and children playing with friends and relatives gathered for the feast all set a festive mood to this little town.
But even as all of this was happening, there was this little group at a farmhouse enjoying the warmth of the morning sun and having a reasonably cheerful conversation. The happy cow was proudly talking of all the lipsmacking produces derived from her milk she gives and the sheep was bragging about her utilities , the horse beaming with a big smile was narrating his majestic appearance and horse power. The little chooks also tried to fit in with their share of goodies .
Amidst all of this chitchat our little champion “The Donkey” uninterested in chinwag was enjoying some juicy turnips. Just as the converstion was getting heated up ,the sheep glanced at the donkey and asked a question which filled the air with laughter. “Hey Donkey” she said , have you got anything to say or do other than munching on anything and everything all day? Have you got any purpose for your life at all? As the giggling settled , the donkey stood up and said “guys do you know I was born into a family with a proud history , my forefather , 3 decades ago on his back carried Mary who bore the divine baby. I think I have already done what all I need, I mean my grandparents have done enough to cover up for me…..as he kept grunting the farmer walked in with two other men and started untying the donkey, “hey where are you taking me” he asked them as they washed him, Oh I know he said you are going to honour me at the Feast. While they hurriedly led them away he turned around and looked at his friends and shouted with a gleam “Guys didn’t I tell you, I am always busy during festive season. See you later”.
They led him down to the townhall where a huge crowd had gathered for a triumphant procession. The donkey was all so excited to see the arrangements that had been made for his so thought honouring procession. Suddenly a man started climbing on his back and he asked him “Sir what are you trying to do , Oh I know maybe you also want to be in the limelight. The donkey enjoyed all the singing , dancing and red carpet welcome and all the while thought it was all for him to honour his grandparents favour. Little did he know that he was indeed carrying the Saviour Of The World himself. As they reached Jerusalem and Jesus got down and left into the temple people started gravitating towards him pushing the donkey aside.
The donkey shouted and jumped but no one heeded to him. Frustrated he started to walk back to the farm and on the way he met an old donkey who looked at him with warmth and started a chat with him and told him all that had happened and the wise old donkey started explaining to himOur appearance,our fame , our money, our strength and weakness, past or present nothing matters but the ultimate aim of our life is to fulfill God’s purpose for our life. You little donkey were created for this very day, even before you were born you were destined to carry Jesus on your back. You have fulfilled your purpose today and hence rejoice he said. Our little champion instantly cheered up and praised God and quickly ran back to the farm to tell his friends that he has found the answer to their question what is the purpose of your life?
Putting God at the centre of our life and placing himfirst in our lives is indeed the very purpose we were created for.