22^nd November 2024

AUTHOR: Alex Buabeng-Korsah
THEME: GOING TO JERUSALEM

THEME SCRIPTURE: "And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he steadfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem." – Luke 9:51 (KJV)

PREPARATORY QUESTION:

1. Are you focused on going to Jerusalem with the Lord?

Even though Jesus was not born in Jerusalem, He spoke extensively about how this place was central to His purpose on earth. Often, Jesus would pull His disciples aside and share with them what awaited Him in Jerusalem: "Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto scribes, and they shall condemn him to death," (Matthew 20:18).

 

Jerusalem was a place of ultimate testing for the prophets, the "Sent One," and those on divine assignments. Jesus lamented over it, saying: "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee..." (Matthew 23:37). For Jesus, Jerusalem symbolized the climax of the Father's will, a place of both pain and purpose. As one fully committed to fulfilling God's will, going to Jerusalem was non-negotiable. It was a place of testing and triumph, crucifixion and glory, betrayal and fulfillment.

 

God's ultimate purpose for Jesus stood at the heart of Jerusalem, and when the time came, He steadfastly set His face to go there.

 

As disciples of Christ, we too will experience bits and pieces of God's purpose in the "outskirts" of our Jerusalem. We may perform miracles in Bethany, turn water into wine in Cana, or feed multitudes in Galilee. These moments are glorious, but the ultimate purpose of God for our lives resides in Jerusalem, which is not always a comfortable or appealing place.

 

Jesus steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem because it required determination. The journey can be discouraging, and there will always be the temptation to abandon God's purpose and pursue our own. For instance, Abraham faced his "Jerusalem" when God asked him to sacrifice Isaac. Through that test, God swore an oath by Himself and established a covenant (Genesis 22:15-18).

 

Similarly, John the Baptist faced his "Jerusalem" when he was imprisoned, awaiting execution. In his weariness, he sent two disciples to ask Jesus, "Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?" (Matthew 11:3). The same John, who once proclaimed Jesus as the Lamb of God, now wrestled with doubt under the weight of his trial.

 

Beloved, if you desire to fulfill God's ultimate purpose for your life, you must steadfastly set your face toward your Jerusalem. There, you may be crucified, but there will also be glory. You may face betrayal, but there will be fulfillment. You will be tested and tried, but you will triumph.

 

There is no life without death. There is no victory without faith. Without risk, there is no reward.

 

Precious one, let us build strength and tenacity today. Enough of the glamour and pretense; this is the time to prepare. "For behold, we go up to Jerusalem..." (Luke 18:31). Everything written about us, even before the foundation of the world, will be fulfilled there. Glory to God!

 

FURTHER READING:  Luke 18:31-34

Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so.

 

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:

1. How central is God's will and purpose to your life?
2. What are you willing to endure to fulfill God's purpose for your life?

 

PRAYER:
Precious Father, not my will but Your will alone be done in my life. I receive strength and tenacity this day to remain steadfast—in You, with You, and for You. In Jesus' Precious Name, Amen.

 

ONE-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN

Nehemiah 10,  Amos 2, 1 Timothy 4, 1 Timothy 5