Who likes to be called, “Ass?” How disturbing!

It’s one of the most insulting terms to be associated with no doubt. The disparaging baritone rebuke of, “ASS!!!” cannot be empowering. Neither the annoyance between two resulting in a derisive response of, “jack-ass!” Who wants that memory vibrating through their memory veins? What redemptive quality could there ever be for such characterization or titled animal?

The term “jackass” obviously came from the words “jack” and “ass,” but why? late In the 14th century, jakke was a “mechanical device.” The proper name, “Jack,” was used in Middle English for “any common fellow,” and thereafter extended to various appliances which do the work of common servants (1570s). “Jakke” was a generic term also used of male animals in the 1600’s.”

The term “ass” of course is used in the bible. But, according to the Etymology dictionary, the term comes from the animal termed as the, “beast of burden, Old English assa–the “he-ass,” probably from Old Celtic *as(s)in “donkey,” etc….” which ultimately is from Latin asinus, which is probably of Middle Eastern origin.”

To the untrained eye a donkey simply looks like a means of transport or a beast created to carry products from one point to another. For some in hilarity a donkey is the most common animal to be subjected to bearing the cursing because of it’s stubbornness. But once one is cultured about these creatures one realizes the importance of their loyalty and faithfulness to their master. One of these species is known as the “onager,” and back in the day any farmer would be wisest to allow one of these to roam freely through their drove of donkeys. This onager is one, if left to roam freely will train all the other species to become faithful and loyal animals to their master. The key is to allow them freedom to roam. Some may call this a “wild ass.”

The day after Lazarus was resurrected Jesus made His way to Jerusalem. The rulers of the day wanted to once again have Lazarus killed because so many were now turning to Jesus for Salvation. John 12:12 states,

“On the next day the large crowd who had come to the feast,

when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem,

took the branches of the palm trees and went out to meet Him,

and began to shout,

“Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord,

even the King of Israel.” Jesus, finding a young donkey,

sat on it; as it is written, “Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold,

your King is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt.”

It was not a man or woman of prestige that was invited to escort the King of all Kingdoms to enter into the capital city of government. It wasn’t the most regal Arabian horse prepared for the Messiah’s “grand entry.” It was a colt–a young donkey tied there along the cobble stoned path, waiting patiently for its time to work. This beast of burden would now be remembered for all generations. This often cursed “ass” would encounter the most powerful human ever to live upon the earth–Deity Himself.

Today, the Lord is looking for those who dare to be called, “ASS.” He is looking for those who consider the honor of carrying Christ’s Light into their homes, places of employment, villages, cities, states, regions, nations to trump any barrage of persecution or animus that one might encounter. What a fabulous moment it is to look around the world and have a glimpse of all those who have chosen to be carriers of His Light–His Fire–His presence.

For those who celebrate Palm Sunday in March and for those in the East who celebrate in the month of April, Happy Palm Sunday!!!

Fellow carrier of Light,

briskilla