DETERMINATION

Lazareth had been in the tomb for some four days when Jesus with a loud voice called for him to come out. After that spectacular event Jesus continued steadfastly on his journey to Jerusalem. It was almost time for the Jewish festival of Passover and the atmosphere was filled with expectation of what might happen this year. The chief priests and Pharisees had issued an order that if anyone saw Jesus they were to report it immediately so he could be taken into custody. His disciples watched him as he walked on ahead with solemn determination. It was clear in the mind of Jesus that what must happen, would certainly happen and that God’s plan for dealing with the sins of the world would be carried out. Jesus was determined to carry through on the suffering that lay ahead for him.
       It is hard to imagine all that went through his mind as he strode on ahead of his disciples as if getting there made what he knew was to happen more easy. Here was God in the person of his Son, the creator and ruler of all there is, taking upon himself willingly the cost of universal salvation. It is beyond the human mind and heart of man to fathom the depths of Jesus’ commitment for our salvation. The determination seen in his steady steps toward the place where he knew he was to suffer the humiliation of crucifixion is incredible. We can only sense his growing awareness of the moment only a few days ahead when in the Garden of Gethsemane he would say to his Father, “Not my will, but thine be done” (Luke 22:42). Jesus was determined to carry out what in the divine plan fell to him to do. Determination as an expression of personal integrity has always been admired. It can best be seen in situations of danger or challenge. Only when nothing is required, is it not needed. In the case we are discussing, without determination it  could never have been carried through.
        Many have spoken of this essential quality throughout time. Charles Dickens said he could never have done what he did without determination. Andretti noted that desire was the essential key for progress, but without determination it could never reach the desired goal.  Jesus was determined to carry through all the way to death.. You are I are to be determined to live as Christ lived – to take ahold of every day and make it the most for our Master. Without determination it will  never happen. Our mentor is Jesus, walking firm of stride as he moves steadily ahead in fulfillment of that which was meant for him to do. May we show by the way we live that same sterling quality. We are determined to carry through in spite of all opposition to become exactly what he would have us be, that is, what we already are in Christ.
 
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