Welcome to Day 30 of Journey to the Cross. We are down to only 10 days left! Today we look at moving with a purpose in Luke 18.

Then he took the Twelve aside and told them, “See, we are going up to Jerusalem. Everything that is written through the prophets about the Son of Man will be accomplished. For he will be handed over to the Gentiles, and he will be mocked, insulted, spit on; and after they flog him, they will kill him, and he will rise on the third day.” They understood none of these things. The meaning of the saying was hidden from them, and they did not grasp what was said.

Luke 18:31-34

There is a great difference in the ways people walk. Some people saunter. When someone saunters, you know that person is in no hurry to see their journey come to an end. We can guess that someone making such pokey progress feels little urgency about crossing their goal line. On the other hand, some people move with purpose. In the army, we called this ”range walking.” This meant to widen your stride and move as quickly as possible without jogging or running. I meant moving with purpose! Walking with intention, or assertive ambulation, is the mark of a person passionate about their purpose. Just by watching, you can gauge someone’s commitment to the journey’s purpose.

Jesus journeyed from the crib to the cross by taking bold, purposeful steps. Several times, Jesus predicted His death and resurrection. He told His disciples that he was going to Jerusalem not only to die, but to rise again. His destination was the cross, but His purpose was to bring new life. Yet they did not understand His destination or His purpose until after the fact.

We stand on the backside of this event. Christ has rescued us from the temptation to saunter aimlessly throughout our lives here on this earth. He gave us new life and new purpose. He has removed the temptation to make merely pokey progress, as if life were meaningless. In fulfilling His purpose, Christ has given you incredible purpose to walk with Him in the power of His Spirit and to share His message of the saving gospel as you move toward your eternal destination.

Today as you pray, ask God to help you see His purpose for your life. Ask Him to renew your vision to see your life through His eyes and determine if you are walking on His path or choosing your own. Wherever you are walking your own, repent and turn to His way.

Thank you for joining me for Day 30. Come back tomorrow as we talk about Zacchaeus in Luke 19.