The Christian Apostle Church in Suzhou held its April 5, Palm Sunday worship service online. The sermon preached by Sheng Enci focused on three themes: Days of Joy, Days of Dedication and Days of Glory. The believers were reminded of the special days set by the Lord.
The first day of Holy Week is when Jesus enters the holy city of Jerusalem. And The Day Set by Jehovah is from Philippians 2: 5-11.
Days of Joy
When Jesus revealed his identity as the one who was foretold by the prophets, even if they were only the words that he used to command his disciples, they had a great influence on the hearts of the people. "Hosanna in the highest, blessed is he that comes in the name of the Lord," cried his followers.
There is one more thing that can't be ignored on this joyful day of praise. As the Scriptures remind us, we are to take the heart of Christ Jesus as our own heart. Do we really rejoice for God's salvation? Do we really prepare ourselves to take up the cross with our Lord? Or do we look forward to a king who fits our own minds and ideas, just as some of the people at that time.
Taking the heart of Christ Jesus as our heart reminds us to think as Christ, that the mind of Christ Jesus needs to be in us. The mind of Jesus has already been revealed to everyone. He is not a conqueror, but a humble, obedient and peaceful king. Therefore, we should be more prepared to greet this peaceful king and experience the true joy of being with the Lord.
Days of dedication
Palm Sunday, which begins the Passion Week, tells us that Christ, "Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." What an example!
How many people are willing to be humble and obedient? Without saying whether it can be done, can we first consider whether we are really willing? It means that we will lose our own interests, experience the pain, and may feel uncomfortable.
The donkey that Jesus rode into Jerusalem was brought to him because he simply said, "The Lord wants to use it." In the same way, when God's salvation comes to us, will we dedicate our lives to the Lord? We do not do this to gain any benefit, but simply because the "Lord wants to use us."
Days of glory
What a glorious moment when the king entered the city of Jerusalem. All the people welcomed him by spreading their clothes and palm branches on the road, shouting and greeting the Messiah. We know that the people at that time did not honor Jesus as the Christ, but God elevated him to the highest position, and gave him the name above all names. Because of the name of Jesus, everything above heaven, earth and under the ground will bow their knees, and declare that Jesus Christ is the Lord, giving all the glory to the Father.
The Apostle Church also informed everyone that the spring Bible-study class will start soon. The believers that want to be baptized can be registered through WeChat or by phone. The course will be held online.
- Translated by Heirs Han
