Good morning. Today is Wednesday, June 24th!

🥳 Congratulations on starting today with God, and thank you for letting us be a part of it.

— Zechariah 9:9

Did you know many donkeys have a marking on their back that looks like a cross?

There is usually a dark stripe running down their spine and another across their shoulders, creating a cross-like shape. 

It’s a real natural marking that many donkeys have, and for centuries Christians have connected it to one of the most important moments in the Bible.

As Jesus and His disciples were approaching Jerusalem for Passover, Jesus stopped near the Mount of Olives and told two disciples:

“Go into the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me.”
(Matthew 21:2)

The disciples went and found everything exactly as Jesus said. They brought the donkey back, placed their cloaks on it, and Jesus rode into Jerusalem.

As He entered the city, crowds gathered everywhere. People laid palm branches and coats on the road before Him like a king entering a city. Others shouted:

“Hosanna to the Son of David!”
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”
(Matthew 21:9)

This fulfilled a prophecy written hundreds of years earlier in the Book of Zechariah:

“See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey.”
(Zechariah 9:9)

Jesus intentionally chose a donkey instead of a horse because horses were associated with war and conquest, while donkeys symbolized peace and humility. He was showing the kind of King He truly was.

Then over time, Christians began connecting the donkey’s natural cross marking to this story.

One old Christian tradition says the donkey stayed near Jesus during the crucifixion, and the shadow of the cross fell across its back, leaving the mark forever.

That part is not in the Bible. It’s a symbolic story passed down through tradition.

But the symbolism is still powerful: the humble animal that carried Jesus now carries the shape of a cross on its back.

When you’re not sure how to pray, A.C.T.S. gives you a simple path to follow: Adore, Confess, Thank, and Ask.

Adoration: Jesus, thank You for Your humility and love.

Confession: Forgive my pride and selfishness.

Thanksgiving: Thank You for the cross and Your promises.

Supplication: Help me follow You daily.

 In Jesus’ name, Amen

“I need help” by Connor Price, Maverick City Music & Taylor Hill

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Thanks for letting us be a part of how you start your day with God.

See you tomorrow,

Zach | Start With God