Devotion:
Read Luke 9:51.
I have heard this verse called the “hinge” of “The Gospel According To Luke.” It is a turning point in the story of the ministry and mission of Jesus. He knew the time had come for him to begin his journey to Jerusalem, even though he knew what awaited him there. It is interesting to note the words used in the various translations of the Scriptures for this verse. The NIV says “Jesus resolutely set out…” The NRSV reads “he set his face to go…” And The Message says “he gathered up his courage and steeled himself for the journey…” That could not have been an easy decision. In fact, he was still struggling with it and praying about it in the Garden of Gethsemane the night of his arrest.
Just twenty-eight verses earlier in this same chapter, Jesus had said to his disciples “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” Those daily decisions are not easy either. Taking up a cross daily means getting involved in the struggles and difficulties of other people. It takes courage. It takes determination. It takes resolve. Most of all, this is a reminder that we cannot do this on our own. We must stay connected to the God who gives us the power to have that resolve. When you face those difficult journeys of your own, you can be resolved in taking the next step because you can be assured that God is with you every step of the way.
Personal Worship Option:
Is God calling you to go in a direction that you know will be a difficult journey? Pray and give thanks for the assurance that God will go with you.
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