Dirke’s blog: Going from RESOLUTION to Godly RESOLVE?

What Does It Take To Stop You?

New Year’s resolutions roll off lips with ease this time of year. A few months later they are long forgotten. What has God’s Spirit prompted you to do this coming year? Your faith is measured more by what it takes to stop you rather than what you attempt. Luke says Jesus “Set His face” for His final journey to Jerusalem. Jesus knew what God had for Him (the Cross and the resurrection) and he was not to be denied.

When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face [Godly resolve] to go to Jerusalem. And he sent messengers ahead of him, who went and entered a village of the Samaritans, to make preparations for him. But the people did not receive him, because his face was set toward Jerusalem. And when his disciples James and John saw it, they said, “Lord, do you want us to tell fire to come down from heaven and consume them?” But he turned and rebuked them. And they went on to another village. (Luke 9:51-56 ESV)

The intentions were right, the plans were made but Jesus’ journey was not without a setback. He and his disciples attempted to stay in a village but were not permitted (v.53). The disciples wanted Jesus to retaliate (v.54). Rather than rebuking those who did not receive Him, Jesus rebuked his disciples (v.55). He admonished their lack of perspective. They let their feelings affect their response. Jesus demonstrated what our response must be when we encounter obstacles. “They went on to another village (v.56).” We do not let frustrations or hurts at the hands of others keep us from moving forward to accomplish what God has put before us. Good intentions die unless executed. Set your face to do what God has called you to do, expect obstacles, don’t stop. Go to another village!

Dirke has his doctorate in Church Leadership and is a professor for the Ministry Degree program at Palm Beach Atlantic University. He also teaches at Cru’s Institute of Biblical Studies. He specializes in Leader Development,  creating high performing teams and has years of experience at ministering in urban cross-cultural and international contexts.