As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. – Luke 9:51
In Luke’s gospel, you can basically separate the gospel into two sections, with this verse being the dividing line. Everything before this is about Jesus establishing His ministry in Galilee. Right before this verse is the story of Jesus being with his disciples in Caesarea, where He asks them, “Who do you say that I am?” and Peter answers, “You are the Messiah of God.” Then Jesus takes a few of his inner circle up on a mountain where they experience the transfiguration and see Jesus in all His glory. From there, we read several other short stories before Jesus resolutely sets out for Jerusalem.
Jesus knows His disciples have now come to a greater understanding of who He is and have seen Him in His glory. The time has now come to fulfill His mission on earth, which will lead Him to Jerusalem, where He will be crucified and resurrected three days later.
Have you ever felt like you struggled to know your purpose in life? Where is God wanting to lead you? Do you feel resolute in where you are heading the same way Jesus was resolute in heading to Jerusalem to carry out His purpose?
Lent can be a time for us to refocus spiritually. It is a time to listen for God speaking in our lives so that we can hear where God wants to lead us. It is a time to commit ourselves to trusting in God and being obedient to God’s call on our lives.
During Lent, I often participate in some form of fasting. I have found it to be a helpful spiritual discipline to refocus, make sure I am obedient to God above all else, and to help me listen for God speaking. Fasting may or may not be the right spiritual discipline for you. Maybe it’s spending more time reading the Bible, participating in a Bible study, focusing on your daily prayer life, journaling, or some other spiritual discipline. Make sure to use this season to draw near to God so that you, too, can set out resolutely to follow where God wants to lead you.
Rev. Josh Attaway, Edmond Campus Pastor and CFO
