Friday, February 01, 2013

Keep Going

In any case, I must keep going today and tomorrow and the next day…  Luke 13:33

Jesus is not a quitter, he doesn’t walk away…quite the contrary, he’s a completer. “I brought glory to you here on earth by completing the work you gave me to do.”  John 17:4

We didn’t have time in the morning gatherings last week to bring out this aspect of Jesus’ character. As he was marching to the cross, in response to being told by Pharisees that Herod wanted to kill Him, one sees a beautiful glimpse into His character.  I love every word in this sentence! 
  • In any case: Jesus will not be sidetracked, drawn away, distracted or halted.  He is heaven-bent on completing what he is called to do.
  • I must: “Must” is a word that implies urgency. I only use the word when whatever follows the word is vital.  Jesus only used it in that fashion as well.  John 15:4 No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine.
  • Keep going today and tomorrow and the next day: Translated…He won’t stop!
In effect Jesus is telling the crowds directly and Herod indirectly that no one has the power to interrupt Jesus’ ministry. When He is ready to lay down his life, he will do so. And that is the message that is dispatched to Herod. On a side note, it is interesting that later, after Jesus is arrested and goes on trial before Herod, Jesus refused to answer Herod’s questions. So there is a sense in which Herod was doubly put in his place. Not only did Jesus call him a fox, but also, when he was in his presence, he refused to speak to him or to acknowledge his presence.
So here’s the deal PCC…Jesus is still completing… I have been burdened this week by some vivid life experiences in our body where extreme circumstances have caused some people I admire to reach out for prayer and authentically express the pain of walking in obedience. These saints are striving to live faithfully in the context of circumstances that are extremely painful. 
We all need to be reminded that Jesus is for us, whether circumstances align or not. He is praying for us, (Romans 8:34) and He is aware of our trials. He knows the pain and offers Himself to His followers in the hope that it would strengthen our resolve to persevere.  His being a completer is the very trait He longs to build into every follower of His. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:4

This weekend we will pick up on this theme of finishing and not quitting looking at Jesus’ words to every person endeavoring to follow Him.  Read up in Luke 14:25-35 and come with a humble, servants heart! We also have a special Super Bowl Sunday treat in store for us! 

I love being your pastor!