Joyfully Resolute

As the disciples approached Jerusalem for the last time with Jesus, they started realizing what lay ahead. He told them plainly, "We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the Gentiles, who will mock him and spit on him, flog him and kill him."

This was not what Jesus' followers wanted to hear. I discovered a treasure this week in a verse I've read many times.

They were on their way up to Jerusalem,

with Jesus leading the way,

and the disciples were astonished,

while those who followed were afraid.

Mark 10:32 NIV

I considered the members of Christ's band and their responses. In the face of disaster, some were in shock, others were afraid, but Jesus lead the way. When Jesus calls me to do hard things and obey when I do not want to, I have choices in my reaction. I can allow myself to be paralyzed with fear. I can run around wringing my hands and say, "I just can't believe this is happening.!" Or, I can step resolutely and quickly do the Father's will.

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus,

the author and perfecter of our faith,

who for the joy set before him,

endured the cross

and despised the shame...

Hebrew 12:2

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