“A MAN WHO LEADS AN ORCHESTRA MUST TURN HIS BACK ON THE CROWD”
– Max Lucado
“Now when the time drew near for Him to be received up again into Heaven, He proceeded with FIXED PURPOSE towards Jerusalem, and sent messengers before Him”. (Luke 9:51)
Another translation says: “It came to pass, when the days were near that he should be taken up, he INTENTLY SET HIS FACE to go to Jerusalem.”
There comes a time in every life where one season ends so that another can begin. The one characteristic needed is the ability to “fix your face” in the direction of the work without any room being given for delay or distraction.
Jesus went to His death. We talk much about blessing, or passion or wealth creation, and I teach these things to those whom I hope to see increase their influence for righteousness – but these words are meaningless to our community if we do not also carry the words “obedient unto death.”
Many of us stumble because we do not know when to ignore the crowd, turn our back on the popular trend and focus on the task, even the painful task that the Father has given us to do.
Only those who know how to master themselves can sit with Him on His throne and become masters of the affairs of life.
I have been young and now as I get older I see with stark awareness that a crown without a cross is the byproduct of true religion without reproach. “All they that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” If you have not suffered persecution it is probably that you are not all together godly.
When was the last time you suffered for doing what was right? When was the last time your stand for truth cost something?
Set your face like a flint and go to the task the Father has given you. In doing so you will provoke the antagonism of man, but it will lead to your ascension to a new level of glory.
And while I don't ask for this often I do ask now…pray for me that I will be better able to walk in the grace and power of an overcoming life. I pray the same for you as I send this post.
your brother,
lance
P.S. “NO GOOD THING WILL HE WITHHOLD FROM THEM THAT WALK UPRIGHTLY”
