Toward Jerusalem

Faith in God points us toward Jerusalem in this time of Lent.    The Gospel writer Luke, puts it this way in Chapter 9 verse 51 :

“And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he steadfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem,”.

Jesus set his focus on the city of peace.  On His initial entry, it was to “Hosanna” that he rode in.  We can only wonder what the disciples thought.  They knew the animosity that had risen up against this Jesus that they had journeyed with for over three years.  Could this marvelous reception be a change of heart and mind of those that lived and worshiped in Jerusalem?  What we know for sure is what is recorded in the Scriptures.  How quickly did the Hosanna’s change to “let him be crucified”.  But Jesus knew the way.  May it be as simple as that.  We can trust the One who knew His Father’s will.  God’s plan for the salvation of mankind went forward, in spite of the thoughts and actions of the disciples, religious leaders, and the people in Jerusalem.

Jesus went to be “received up”, into the city of Peace, onto the Cross of Calvary, and ultimately to the Throne of Heaven.  He “steadfastly set his face” to go where no one else could go, and to do what no one else could do.  He fulfilled all things in our behalf.  He became the perfect sacrifice for our sin, as the spotless “Lamb of God”.  He paid the penalty that was against us.  He alone can fully understand the great exchange that took place.  He bore all of the anguish of that Cross, so we might have peace.

Jerusalem is the city of peace only because the Prince of Peace completed the plan, established before the foundation of this world we live in was formed.  The power and effect of the Gospel is in force because Jesus was obedient to the death of the Cross.  The witnesses continue to proclaim it!

Hebrews 12: 1-3  “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.”

Pastor Stan