Focus

Experience silence in the midst of your busy day. Take some time to relax into a time to be with God.

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Read

Luke 18:31-34 (NRSV)

Then he took the twelve aside and said to them, “See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written about the Son of Man by the prophets will be accomplished. For he will be handed over to the Gentiles; and he will be mocked and insulted and spat upon. After they have flogged him, they will kill him, and on the third day he will rise again.” But they understood nothing about all these things; in fact, what he said was hidden from them, and they did not grasp what was said.

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Reflect

When Jesus says, “See, we are going to Jerusalem,” it’s as if he is saying, “See, we are going to face our fears.” Jesus doesn’t dance around fear. He doesn’t pretend it’s not in the room. Humans generally try to avoid confrontation. We avoid talking about the elephant in the room. And we avoid are fears as long as humanly possible. But not Jesus. He deals with the fear and he wants us to do the same thing. He knows are fears and wants to confront our fears with us. But notice one key word Jesus used, “we.” He said, “See, we are going up to Jerusalem . . .”

Jesus isn’t asking you to face your fears alone. He’s not going to throw you in the pool and say, “Here, learn to swim.” He’s going to be there with you. In fact, he’ll do more than be there. He already accomplished the victory for you through his gospel. When Jesus went to Jerusalem, he went and accomplished everything we need to overcome all are fears. He dies on the cross for our sins. He rose from the grave and conquered death on our behalf. And when we put our faith in him, we have the victory he secured on Calvary.
Jesus went to Jerusalem so you could face your Jerusalem. What’s your Jerusalem today?

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Pray

Lord, help us to face our Jerusalem today. Help us to know that you are with us as with face our fears. Amen.

Go with God!