On his final journey to Jerusalem, Jesus was warned by some Pharisees that Herod was out to kill Him. (Lk.13:31-33)Whether the warning was motivated by genuine concern or malice, it’s hard to determine. His answer was blunt: “Go and tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I reach my goal.’” In other words, He would continue with His mission despite the threat, and would reach his goal as planned. He had no fear of Herod’s threats; nothing would stop Him.

Consider His circumstances: He was weary from full days of work with the multitudes, tired from the journey, aware that arrest and death lay ahead, and now hunted by Herod. Yet he continued to walk toward Jerusalem with tremendous determination.

How about you? Some people seem to go through life knowing exactly what they need to do every day. Others move along with purpose, but stop and wonder if they should be doing something else. Sadly, many just drift along with whatever wind is blowing. While Jesus doesn’t give us detailed directions every day, He has given us a great purpose around which we can shape our lives. Among other things, He told us to take the gospel to the entire world (Mk.16:15-16); engage in good works (Gal.6:10); do the work of the Lord (1 Cor.15:58); and build up the church (1 Thess.5:14). Along with our responsibilities to work for a living and spend time with our families, one can be busy.

We often become weary, discouraged and uncertain. But we don’t pull back from our mission in life. We must persist, even as Jesus did. We have a heavenly Jerusalem up ahead. Get up every day and determine, like Jesus – “I will reach my goal!”

– Tim Johnson