Journeying Toward Jerusalem

“When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem… But the people did not receive him, because his face was set toward Jerusalem.” “He went on his way through towns and villages, teaching and journeying toward Jerusalem.” Luke 9:51,53; 13:22

“If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:26-27

“Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2

From the moment He arrived on earth, Jesus was bound for Jerusalem, His face set toward Calvary. The prophesied One spent each day fulfilling His Father’s will to make the way for us to know and fulfill it also. His mission toward Jerusalem beckons us join the journey, choosing the life of love, self-sacrifice, and death that leads to life abundant and unending. Looking to Jesus as He looks to victory over sin and death compels us toward endless joy.

The hard truth is that the joy ahead requires a journey of trial and death to self. The path to Jerusalem begins with surrender and is pocked with pain, betrayal, and hardship. What keeps us going is the end, and enduring is the Savior who has blazed the trail as Conqueror and walks with us. He who suffered is He who is sufficient.

Are we so whorled into activity here on earth that we take nary a thought for what is to come? Do we so relish ease and comfort and pleasantries that we don’t contemplate the fellowship of Christ’s sufferings? When faced with the glories of certain death and life now exchanged for eternal life to come, do we say ‘far be it from me!’? What trappings of daily life have deluded us into living only for today and resisting following Jesus in His steps? (Matthew 16:21-23; Philippians 3:10; 1 Peter 2:21)

What selfish ambitions is the Lord calling us to slay? How will we choose to die to self and follow Jesus toward Jerusalem today? The journey may not be easy or simple, but it will surely be redemptive and good. As we keep on alongside the Author of our faith, we can be assured He is perfecting it, Alleluia! (John 12:24-26; Romans 12:1-2)

“Love’s redeeming work is done, Alleluia! 
Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia! 
Death in vain forbids him rise, Alleluia! 
Christ has opened paradise, Alleluia! 

Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia! 
Where, O death, is now thy sting? Alleluia! 
Once he died our souls to save, Alleluia! 
Where thy victory, O grave? Alleluia! 

Soar we now where Christ has led, Alleluia! 
Following our exalted Head, Alleluia! 
Made like him, like him we rise, Alleluia! 
Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia!” ~Charles Wesley (1739)

Lord, keep me astride with You always, in step with Your way of love and selflessness for others’ good and Your glory.