On Palm Sunday, Christians commemorate the triumphant entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem. What began as a triumphant journey however turned sour for the Lord. “First, it was the cleansing of the temple. Then His arrest, trial and subsequent crucifixion. These He endured for our sake; that we may receive salvation. How do we reciprocate this kind gesture? We obey that which the Lord Jesus Christ says unto us in His word! We obey His commands, counsel and live by every word that proceeds from the altar of grace.”

These core thoughts were shared by Lead Apostle Benjamin Ohene-Saffo, when he conducted the Palm Sunday Divine service at the Ve-Koloenu congregation (Likpe District -Volta North Apostle Area) on 28th March 2020.

The divine service was based on a bible word from Matthew 21:6 “So the disciples went and did as Jesus commanded them”
Bible passages from Zachariah 9:9 and Psalm 118:22-26 were read on this special occasion.

A day for introspection
Who are you? Where do you belong when it is all said and done? The Lead Apostle quizzed as he began the sermon. “Today is a day of introspection. Let each one examines him or herself – how do I worship the Lord, what is my true nature.” The Lead Apostle continued, “Our worship and nature must allow us access to the kingdom of God in the end”.

Jesus’s entry into Jerusalem
Death awaited Jesus Christ, and this He knew. Yet, He ought to fulfil His mission on earth; thus, bring salvation to mankind.  He first undertook a cleansing exercise in the temple and then His salvific sacrifice. “The Lord Jesus wishes to enter our Jerusalem, our hearts, today. He wants to eliminate all that impedes our salvation. Jesus came to deliver us from the bondage of sin. Let us accept and allow Him to grant us salvation” the Lead Apostle exhorted.

Obeying what Jesus says
“Being a Christian is no joke. This whole exercise is not limited to our presence in the fellowship of God’s children. But more importantly to do as the Master says; to live by His will and command. This is how we reciprocate His love for us” the Lead Apostle explained. “The disciples simply obeyed the Lord” he continued, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Loose them and bring them to Me.”. The Lead Apostle stated that the Lord Jesus, through the Apostolate and the activity of the Holy Spirit, also today, gives advice, instructions and commands to those who want to follow Him. Anyone who desires for salvation must follow these directions. These directions and commands include:
* Love your enemies;
* Bless those who curse you;
* Do good to those who hate you;
* Pray for those who persecute you;

“Let us not do according to our will. We want to obey the Lord, however difficult the instructions may be. Only by that can we attain salvation” stressed the Lead Apostle.

Concluding the sermon, the Lead Apostle exhorted members to hearken to the instructions, counsel and commands inspired by the Holy Spirit through the Apostolate. “Let us ensure that the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem and the subsequent sacrifice is not in vain. Like the disciples of Jesus Christ, let us do as the Master says” he remarked.