As 2022 heads into February, I’m reflecting on the three goals I set for myself at the beginning of the year.
One of those goals is to read through the New Testament this year, following the Navigator’s 5x5x5 New Testament Bible Reading Plan. So far, so good. By the grace of God, I’m staying on track.
I like that the plan begins with the Gospel of Mark. I find all four gospels to be captivating. They should be, for Jesus is the most captivating Person to ever walk on this planet. What He did and what He said is breathtaking. Amen?
Do you ever wonder whether setting and pursuing specific goals is biblical?
Here’s a passage in Luke’s gospel that I find most helpful in this regard:
31 At that time some Pharisees came to Jesus and said to him, “Leave this place and go somewhere else. Herod wants to kill you.” 32 He replied, “Go tell that fox, ‘I will keep on driving out demons and healing people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal.’ 33 In any case, I must press on today and tomorrow and the next day—for surely no prophet can die outside Jerusalem! (Luke 13:31-33).
Jesus had a goal and here He states quite plainly what it is – to die!
What you and I spend much time and energy trying to avoid, Jesus set as a goal: His death in Jerusalem.
And according to Luke 9:51, He was intent on the accomplishment of this goal:
“As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem.” (NIV)
“When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem.” (ESV)
“When the days were approaching for His ascension, He was determined to go to Jerusalem.” (NASB)
(A great way to drill down on the meaning of a verse is to read it in several translations. The NIV, ESV, and NASB are three of my favorite Bible versions. BibleGateway.com has an easy way to see a multitude of translations for any one verse on your screen, simultaneously. What a wonderful study tool!)
Jesus not only set a goal for Himself, but He was also determined to achieve it. He reached a point in His ministry when He knew it was time to go where He needed to be to accomplish that goal, and He resolutely headed for Jerusalem. I love how the ESV puts it: Jesus set His face to go to Jerusalem.
Do you get the picture of our Savior that Luke is painting for us?
This is a compelling portrait of our Lord. He had a goal, and He went after it, with a determination and a resolve that you and I would do well to emulate.
Jesus had a single-minded focus – to die in Jerusalem for the sins of the world so that you and I could have forgiveness of sins and the hope of eternal life. Aren’t you glad Jesus set this goal?
Yes, it is biblical to set goals – biblical goals, such as the pursuit of godliness through sanctifying time in the Word and prayer.
What are you determined to do today that will bring glory to the One who was determined to die for you?
Where have you resolved to go – today, tomorrow, or the next day, so that Jesus gets the honor for you being there?
What kind of person is God calling you to be this year that requires you to set your face in that direction, every day, for the rest of your life?
One final thought . . . Accomplishing God’s goals for your life takes self-discipline, and self-discipline is the fruit of the Spirit. Living a holy life is not so much a matter of willpower, but the Spirit’s power. Without Jesus, “you can do nothing” (John 15:5).
And if you find anything in this post helpful, please leave a comment below.
If you would like to connect with me on Facebook, you can find me here:
https://www.facebook.com/GodWroteTheBook/
To read more about my goals for 2022, click here.
https://godwrotethebook.com/how-to-follow-jesus-in-2022/
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