Day 2 - Follow the Leader

“Now it came to pass, when the time had come for Him to be received up, that He steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem” (Luke 9:51).

What do you think the disciples saw in the face of Christ that prompted the wording which we find in this account?

As Christ advanced toward Jerusalem, He understood that a cross and a tomb stood in His path. We may wonder, if He knew what was in the path, how could He move forward with such determination? Hebrews provides us with the answer, when it explains that Jesus, “for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross” (Hebrews 12:2).

He had faith to see joy beyond the suffering. At the same time He understood that the only route to the joy was through suffering. Author Ravi Zacharias has said that all pleasure (joy) must be purchased through pain. If you follow the model of the world you will pay the price after you enjoy the pleasure. If you follow the model of Christ you will pay the price before you enjoy the pleasure. Keeping that in mind, the words of Psalm 16:11 are noteworthy: “You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Our options are (1) pleasure followed by pain, or (2) pain followed by pleasures forevermore.

How do we advance? We follow the example of our Leader who endured the adversity along the way with an eye on the joy that followed obedience.

Question of Consideration: In what ways have suffering or adversity hindered your advance in Christ? What joy beyond the suffering can you identify to inspire a new level of determination?

Scripture Reading: Hebrews 12:1-17

- Lucas Aufenkamp, ND Men Director