Focused Intent

Luke 9:51 (NIV®)
As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem.

Jesus knew what awaited Him in Jerusalem, yet He “resolutely set out” in that direction. He knew He would be beaten almost to death. He knew He would be crucified. But He understood this was the assignment God had given Him, and He set out with determination to complete the task. I’m intrigued by the way Luke chose to relay this information. He didn’t say, “Jesus was going to Jerusalem to be crucified.” Luke said that before Jesus could be taken up to Heaven, He would have to face these things. There’s a key here for us. There are some seasons in our lives when God’s assignments for us are not pleasant, but we have a choice: We can focus on the present difficulty, or we can keep our eyes on God’s gracious invitation to us. We don’t follow Christ just for the ease of the moment. We follow Christ because we recognize the great privilege of fulfilling our part in His plan. Jesus had a focused intent. You and I need a bit of that, as well.

THINK ABOUT IT
When we are given a difficult assignment, God gives us strength to fulfill what He has called us to do.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, thank You for Jesus’ resolve as He set out for Jerusalem, fully knowing what awaited Him there. I want a heart to do Your will, no matter the cost. Help me keep my eyes on You that I might fulfill Your purposes. In Jesus’ name, amen.