Undeterred



Scripture:

Luke 9:51   When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem.  52 And he sent messengers ahead of him. On their way they entered a village of the Samaritans to make ready for him;  53 but they did not receive him, because his face was set toward Jerusalem.  54 When his disciples James and John saw it, they said, “Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?”  55 But he turned and rebuked them.  56 Then they went on to another village.

Observation:

Jesus was making his way to Jerusalem and eventually to his death and resurrection. The Samaritans were not unkind to pilgrims traveling through to Jerusalem, but they chose not to show hospitality to Jesus. His reputation had gone before him and they knew of the miracles he had performed. They wanted him to put on a “show” for them, but this was not to be his purpose. He was rejected by these people because he would not perform for them.

Jesus knew his mission and continued on toward Jerusalem. At the same time he was not revengeful when rejected. The Samaritans lacked an understanding of his Messiahship and the fact that what he would do in Jerusalem would be of far greater value than anything he could do there in their town. Sticking to the mission, Jesus went forward, undeterred.

Application:

Opposition to God’s mission is nothing new. If we are discouraged when we face that kind of resistance, then maybe we don’t know what it really means to follow Christ.

Even well-meaning religious folks may not always understand the mission. They may try to distract us along the way and encourage us to do things the way they would like them done. The only problem is that if we stop for their endorsement, we may just miss out on the mission.

People pleasing doesn’t necessarily come with Jesus following. Keep pressing forward, undeterred from the mission God has placed before you. Set your face toward him, reflect him, and follow him where he may lead.

Prayer:

Lord, please help me to follow you today and every day.  Amen.
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