According to biblical scholars, we are living in the tension of the “already, but not yet.” Essentially this means Jesus has already come, our sins are forgiven, we know grace was purchased on the Cross, and we have the Holy Spirit within us. We can walk in the joy of knowing our ransom has been paid and we are children of God. Yet, we come to the end of each day with a long list of sins from which we don’t feel free. The struggle is real, and it is daily. English preacher Charles Spurgeon, one of the heroes of the faith, said, “There is hardship in everything … except eating pancakes.” We continue to struggle because our sanctification will only be complete when Jesus returns.

The palm branches that were cut from the trees and waved as a symbol of victory are a reminder that we live in the “already, but not yet.” In Leviticus, God instructs His people to celebrate the seven-day Feast of Booths. During this feast, the people were to wave palm branches and rejoice in God’s provision in the wilderness after they had been brought out of Egypt. Palm branches were used again when the promised Messiah entered Jerusalem, coming to save His people from their sins. We see the palm branches again in Revelation 7:9 when God’s people, from every nation, are gathered around the throne worshipping God. When you are in the wilderness, God will provide; when you are saved, He has provided forgiveness for your sins and new life with Him, and we eagerly await the day when we will wave a palm branch and worship the God of our salvation.

• How has God provided for you in the wilderness?
• How does the hope of the future restoration help you cope with your current struggles?