Focused and Determined

Luke 9:51

As Jesus was drawing closer to the reality of the cross and the fulfillment of His fathers plan of redemption, we see that he was more focused and determined than ever before. Can you imagine the stare in his eyes and how he looked death in the face not once intimidated as the enemy of mankind (death) was soon to be conquered. The Samaritans had wanted him to abided with them for a couple of days, in which at any other time he would have obliged them, but now the time has come, the end of all things was at hand and “He steadfastly set his face towards Jerusalem.”

As we draw near to the end of time and the imminent return of Jesus we too must be focused and determined. We cannot allow ourselves to become distracted and find ourselves abiding in the place of indifference, lukewarmness, and worldliness. We can’t allow our roots to grow deep in this world and allow the spirit of the age to weigh us down. No, we must keep moving! We must keep pressing on toward the mark of our high calling in Jesus Christ! We must set our face like a flint towards heaven laying aside every weight and sin that would so easily beset us.

At the end of chapter 9 there was a man who came to Jesus wanting to be his disciple but first wanted to bid his father and mother goodbye. Jesus responded by saying “No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” (v62) What did Jesus mean? He meant that the call to follow him was one of which there are no attachments behind you, no swaying to the left or right of you, and a firm eye along with a firm grasp of what lay ahead of you! Jesus steadfastly set his face towards Jerusalem and we must steadfastly set our face towards heaven more focused and determined than ever before.

Pastor Robby