This week I have been reading through the book of Luke and I came to a verse that always gets my attention when I read it. Luke 9:51 says, “When the days were coming to a close for Him to be taken up, He determined to journey to Jerusalem.” This may not mean much to some people, but for those of us who know what awaited Him in Jerusalem, it should mean a lot. What awaited Him in Jerusalem? Betrayal, arrest, abuse, mocking, a cruel beating, and a crucifixion awaited Him.
He knew all of this! He knew exactly what awaited Him in Jerusalem! I cannot fathom the love that compelled Him to determine to go to Jerusalem knowing what awaited Him there. I have a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes as I consider this. How could He love us so much! The New Living Translation says He “resolutely set out for Jerusalem” and the Amplified Bible explains it this way. “He was determined to go to Jerusalem [to fulfill His purpose].”
Jesus came to die for our sins and to fulfill that purpose, He had to go to Jerusalem. In Jerusalem, He would face unimaginable pain and sacrifice His very life, yet He was determined to fulfill the purpose for which He had come. He was determined to do what God had sent Him to do. He was determined to face whatever came, so that He could pay the debt we owed. He was willing to suffer so that we would have the chance to receive the forgiveness God would offer us.
The Passion Translation of Luke 9:51 says, “He gathered up His courage and steeled Himself for the journey to Jerusalem.” He knew what it would cost Him, but His love was so great, it gave Him the strength to do what God was asking Him to do. I am both humbled and amazed by the love and determination that led Him on to Jerusalem. Jesus modeled for us the perfect example of obedience and sacrifice; He showed us how to do the will of God.
“Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered” Hebrews 5:8. Nothing could stop Jesus from fulfilling the purpose that God had for Him! As I considered this, I had to ask myself a few questions. Am I? Am I this determined to do God’s will? Am I determined to do what God has called me to do, no matter the cost? Am I allowing anything to keep me from doing what God has called me to do? Am I allowing anything to hinder me from doing God’s will?
He gave everything for me. Shouldn’t I being willing to do the same thing for Him? How determined am I to please Him? Am I on the road to the “Jerusalem” in my life or am I choosing to take an easier path? Oh, ABBA, help me to gather up my courage and determine to fulfill the purpose for which You have called me. Help me to be willing to do Your will! Help me to choose obedience. May I have the courage to say as Jesus did, “Not my will but Yours be done”!
My friend, what road are you walking on today? Are you following the path of obedience or choosing an easier path? Perhaps today it is time to seriously consider where you are in your walk with Him, beloved. Perhaps it is time to renew your determination to do His will. Just ask Him and He will help you.
Katrina Douglas
3/12/2022
