PALM SUNDAY: Don’t Be Complacent Amid Nigeria’s Hardship, Christians Told

Christians have been urged to reject complacency and embrace the true, transcendent peace of Christ, as the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria (LCCN) 1 Badirisa, Girei Local Government Area, celebrated Palm Sunday with a powerful call to faith and spiritual awakening.

Delivering the sermon at a well-attended service, Elder Emmanuel Kemuel took his text from Luke 19: 29-40, focusing on the theme of “The Triumphant Entry of Jesus Christ.” He explained that the day symbolizes a unique peace—”not as the world thinks, but as Christ gives.”

Drawing from the passage, Elder Kemuel outlined three thematic focuses for believers: Jesus’s Sovereignty, the requirement of faith, and the rejection of religious old classes.

The preacher, however, delivered a stern warning against spiritual complacency, particularly in the face of national adversity. He described complacency as a dangerous state where people convince themselves that “all is well” despite evident suffering.

“With all the sufferings in Nigeria, some people are content and want to transit. They say, ‘Never Lord, let us dwell here forever,'” Elder Kemuel lamented, challenging the congregation to reject a passive acceptance of hardship. He reminded them that Christ’s sacrifice was purposeful, looking “beyond the moment to the glory ahead.”

In a passionate exposition of verses 29 to 34, Elder Kemuel emphasized the divinity of Christ’s command to retrieve the colt. He noted that the command required no human permission, demonstrating Jesus’s absolute authority and knowledge of the future.

“The only voice that has authority that no man has is His,” he declared. “It doesn’t matter who is ruining your life, or whatever chain the enemy has used to tie you. The situation is waiting for the command from the Master.”

He challenged believers to recognize the spiritual authority they already possess, stating that many continue to suffer simply “because you don’t know that you have it.”

Illustrating with a personal anecdote about spiritual distraction during prayer, the elder stressed that believers must stop allowing the devil to steal their focus. “Because what God is saying, you should be on time so that you can use your authority.”

Concluding his message, Elder Kemuel addressed the resistance of religious traditionalists, referencing how the Pharisees in the scripture objected to the praise. He noted that even if people refuse to praise, “the stones will cry out.” He urged the faithful to remain genuine in their worship, noting that while there are many distractions, the “genuine ones” who seek Christ above temporary things will prevail.

“He said, ‘I have gotten life everlasting; what will I do with this temporary one?'” Elder Kemuel quoted, urging Christians to fix their eyes on eternal glory.

The service ended with prayers for the nation and a call for believers to march forward with the triumphant assurance of Christ’s kingship.