The Mark. In this Christian journey, we are all trying (or at least we should be) to reach the goal, the mark, the prize of the high calling in Christ Jesus. Serving the Lord is certainly no easy feat. Especially when we live in a world where gratifying the flesh is the “IN” thing. It often seems like very few people around us are trying to reach this goal that Paul talks about in Philippians 3:14. But, those of us who want to grow closer to Christ know that the journey towards the mark is an essential part of the walk. Which brings me to the reason I am writing this blog. This week commemorates Jesus’ journey to the cross, to His purpose, His mission for coming to the earth to die for our sins. As Jesus had great purpose for living so do you and I.
In this journey of life we must understand that the work never ends. As long as we are in human flesh, we will be works in progress trying to reach that mark I discussed previously. Luke 22:39-44 shows us even Jesus had to press toward the mark as He faced the reality of His demise. The scripture tells us “39Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. 40 On reaching the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” 41 He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, 42 “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” 43 An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. 44 And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground (TNIV).” Jesus knew that His high calling was death, burial and resurrection. He knew that He had to die so that we would have access to the kingdom of God. Yet, when facing death (His purpose) His fear is revealed to us.
Isn’t it amazing how we can know our purpose and mission yet still struggle. There are times when we feel like we have it all together. Like we have this walk down “to a tee.” But, as we pursue our purpose struggle will reveal to us the many scars that are still left behind. You see Jesus’ journey would not have been complete without His struggle in the Garden of Gethsemane. Our journey will not be complete without the struggles that God places in our lives to show us the scars that we still have. Struggle reveals that we are still works in progress. What He reveals to you will be to your benefit and not your demise. Allow God to mold you into the person He designed you to be, you will be surprised at the person you become. So, let Him peel back your layers, struggle by struggle, line upon line, precept upon precept. The amazing and awesome news is that “…he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:6).”
In this journey of life we must understand that the work never ends. As long as we are in human flesh, we will be works in progress trying to reach that mark I discussed previously. Luke 22:39-44 shows us even Jesus had to press toward the mark as He faced the reality of His demise. The scripture tells us “39Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. 40 On reaching the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” 41 He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, 42 “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” 43 An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. 44 And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground (TNIV).” Jesus knew that His high calling was death, burial and resurrection. He knew that He had to die so that we would have access to the kingdom of God. Yet, when facing death (His purpose) His fear is revealed to us.
Isn’t it amazing how we can know our purpose and mission yet still struggle. There are times when we feel like we have it all together. Like we have this walk down “to a tee.” But, as we pursue our purpose struggle will reveal to us the many scars that are still left behind. You see Jesus’ journey would not have been complete without His struggle in the Garden of Gethsemane. Our journey will not be complete without the struggles that God places in our lives to show us the scars that we still have. Struggle reveals that we are still works in progress. What He reveals to you will be to your benefit and not your demise. Allow God to mold you into the person He designed you to be, you will be surprised at the person you become. So, let Him peel back your layers, struggle by struggle, line upon line, precept upon precept. The amazing and awesome news is that “…he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:6).”