In staff devotions last week, we had a discussion about the entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem. You may remember that Jesus was coming into town riding on a donkey. (John 12:12-19) We celebrate that “Hosanna” event on Palm Sunday.

That scripture refers to the Old Testament passage in Zechariah 9 which reads in part, “…see your king comes to you righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”

Our devotion leader pointed out that conquering heroes always rode into town on large stallions, the finest of horses fit for battle. They were showing off their prowess and stature as a returning hero.

But here our Savior rides in on a donkey…the symbol of humility and grace…the posture of a servant.

Corrie Ten Boom (a survivor of the death camps in Europe) was a powerful Christian author, speaker and woman of immense influence. One day she was at a press conference that followed a ceremony where she had been given an honorary degree. One of the reporters asked her if it was tough to receive such accolades and yet remain a humble servant of Christ.

She responded quickly with an amazing comment. She said, “Young man, Jesus Christ rode into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday on the back of a donkey, and everyone was waving palm branches and throwing garments in the road and singing praises. Do you think for one moment it ever entered that donkey’s mind that any of it was for him?”

She continued, “If I can be the donkey on which Jesus Christ rides in His glory, I give Him all the praise and all the honor.”

When I heard about this quote, I immediately reminded myself (in the vernacular of our day) that “Je Suis Donkey!”

This week, you and I ought to review a bit…when we receive some praise for a job well done, or a compliment or a pat on the back. Who really should get the glory? Not us! We work enabled by the health He provides. We achieve with the blessing of a mind that was given to us. We grow and become based on His blessings.

Humility is hard. The flesh wants attention. Corrie’s comment helped me remember that important truth. They are really looking at Him, not the dumb donkey.

So to help me remember and maintain that perspective, I have a new tag line. Say it with me: “Je Suis Donkey.”