The God who has a definite goal with a schedule to accomplish His course

A life-study portion that I enjoyed during my Bible reading time. Sometimes as Christians, we either be too proactive without waiting on the Lord, or we can be over-passive and simply sit and wait the Lord will do something miraculous. Oh, how much we need to be tempered by the Lord in our daily living! 

Whenever we fall into the later situation (being passive) or not too sure how shall we go on, we have to remember that the Lord is also a wonderful example who has a goal with a plan. He knew His overarching goal, and He planned and walked according to the goal. Surely there will be threats either by men or by practical situations (e.g. lack of finance, family problems etc.) but we shall not be afraid nor be threatened. The following is the portion that I enjoy from the life-study while reading Luke chapter 13. We Christians often know the overarching goal in our lifetime and might have received some burden from the Lord in relation to His economy. Though practically, we might be not too sure what the small steps that we shall take. Poverty, pressure, and many things can threaten us to follow the Lord, but may the Lord strengthen us to be those who follow Him with strong faith and boldness. Lord, grant us such a heart so that we can reach the goal with You! 

[Life-study portion]

In 13:31-35 we have a description of the Man-Savior journeying uninterruptedly toward Jerusalem. Verse 31 says, “In the same hour some Pharisees came up, saying to Him, Get out and go from here, for Herod wants to kill you.” This is a threat made by the opposers in their jealousy. But, as we shall see, the Lord was not threatened.

The Lord said to them, “Go and tell this fox, Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I am perfected” (v. 32). The Greek words translated, “I am perfected” may also be rendered “end My course” or “reach My goal.” The Lord’s response indicates that He had a set schedule to carry out His ministry, to end His course, and to reach His goal, through His death and resurrection, and that no one, especially not Herod, could stop Him from accomplishing it.

Here the Lord seems to be saying, “I shall reach My goal. I shall accomplish what I intend to do. I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow and then on the third day, in resurrection, I will be perfected and reach My goal. Don’t bother Me or threaten Me. I am the sovereign One, and you can do nothing. Who is Herod? He is a fox. You may be afraid of him, but I am not, because he is under Me. Tell him that I have My schedule. According to this schedule, I will finish My work, reach My goal, and be perfected.”

In verse 33 the Lord said, “However, I must journey today and tomorrow and on the following day, because it is not acceptable for a prophet to perish outside of Jerusalem.” The Lord was not prevented by the threat from journeying to Jerusalem to accomplish His redemptive death. Rather, He was bold to proceed there (Mark 10:33) to reach the goal of His ministry.

In verse 33 the Lord seems to be saying, “I must journey today, tomorrow, and the following day because it is necessary for Me to die in Jerusalem. It is not acceptable for a prophet to perish outside of Jerusalem. Do not interrupt Me or frustrate Me. I have a goal, and My goal is to die in Jerusalem. I am on the way to reach My goal.”

[Exercpt from Life-study of Luke chapter 31]