Forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 3:13-14
The Waco Suspension Bridge was built for the purpose of crossing the time-consuming and sometimes dangerous ordeal of circumventing the Brazos River near Waco Texas. It supported commerce and was a crossing point as they drove cattle up the Chisholm Trail. Years ago, my family took a picture in front of the statues of the cowboy on his horse and the cow that were built in honor of that historic past.
This day with God, we saddle up with the song The Great Adventure – Steven Curtis Chapman. Like the cowboys blazing a new trail, we have a purpose as we blaze a trail to a new frontier in the spiritual realm. Let us follow our leader Jesus who is the King of that kingdom.
Bridge that some say is the beginning of the Chrisom trail
The above photo is the Waco Suspension Bridge which was built for the purpose of crossing the time-consuming and sometimes dangerous ordeal of circumventing the Brazos River near Waco Texas. It supported commerce and was a crossing point of the Chisholm Trail.
Our bridge along the journey to eternity is Jesus. We are saved by God’s grace which is a gift that cannot be earned.Reading today in John 18:28-40, we continue the recorded historical document that explains how Jesus carried out the building of this bridge.
After Judas led the Jewish leaders to where Jesus was in the garden. They arrested Jesus and then took Him to the palace of the Roman governor. Since it was early morning, they didn’t go into Pilate’s judgment hall in order to avoid ceremonial uncleanness so they could eat the Passover (v. 28).
Because of the miracles Jesus had performed leading up to this point, there was worry from the Jewish leaders that the people would make Him king. The Jewish leaders thought in worldly terms as a ruler, but Jesus came as King of our spiritual realm as we work together to store up treasure in His kingdom.
The thought here is that Jesus has given everyone a mission or purpose. We are to each pray that we find our specific purpose and affirm others as they pursue their important place in His kingdom. Every person has certain God given strengths and when they are able to use their individual God given strength, it benefits everyone.
Because of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, those who accept Jesus in their heart receive the Holy Spirit to impact the world as peace and joy is in the countryside air along the journey. Followers of Jesus are connected to a power source that generates amazing grace that fuels our soul to finish strong on the journey to eternity.
Lord, we are grateful that we are living for a purpose. That we are on a great adventure to change the world for the better. To make a difference to help others cross the bridge on the journey to eternity. We choose the road to the spiritual kingdom where Jesus is King. It is an adventurous and sometimes difficult road, but we take comfort that You are there with us providing the wisdom, discernment, and courage to face the challenges ahead. May our work make a difference as we store up treasures in heaven and build Kingdom wealth for King Jesus in whose name we pray … amen and amen!
A poem posted at my other blog Step Ahead is inspired by the book of 1 Kings. The nations of Israel was in a low point and needed a leader. The book of 1 Kings is a promise that from the line of David would come a Messianic king to lead them to a higher destination. We know today that Jesus is the king of Kings who will ultimately rule over all the nations.
Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. – Joshua 1:9
A lesson from “Take Courage” is that Jesus was not afraid at all when they came to arrest Him and taught by example. He knew what the future held yet He was on a mission and had the courage to follow through. He faced His enemies in order to fulfill His purpose; to suffer in this world in order to set you and me free.
This day with God, take courage by listening and believing in Jesus. Let us worship with the song Voice of Truth – Casting Crowns.
There will be times when life is difficult. There will be those against us who don’t want to hear the Truth or can’t handle the Truth. They will whisper fear in our ear to frighten or scare. Know that during these times that God will be there. God is like a mountain standing rock solid over time and protecting us in our time of need. We can take courage, for God is there for us.
Reading in John 18:1-27, Jesus had courage to fulfill His mission. We note in today’s passage that Judas and the soldiers came looking for Jesus in the garden. Jesus went out to ask them who they were looking for. When they said they were looking for Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus said, “I am he”. This indicates a voluntary surrender by Jesus.
Jesus was not afraid at all and taught by example. He knew what the future held yet He was on a mission and had the courage to follow through. He faced His enemies in order to fulfill His purpose; to suffer in this world in order to set us free.
The high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. Jesus said that he spoke openly and said nothing in secret. When Jesus simply recommended that the high priest ask those who had heard him speak, a nearby official slapped him on the face (v. 22). Jesus said that he spoke the Truth and asked the man why he struck him.
Jesus distinguished right and wrong by following the truth. Unfortunately, during the time of Jesus, many couldn’t handle the Truth and it’s the same today. Many can’t handle the Truth so in order to compensate, in their mind what’s right is a lie and what’s wrong is right.
We can follow God’s word for the Truth to distinguish right from wrong because Jesus paid our debt. We can handle the Truth by admitting wrongdoing, making the necessary changes, and asking for help. By accepting Jesus, we receive that help as the Spirt guides and God provides.
Jesus … You are the Truth that sets us free. You knew what Your future held, but fulfilled Your mission with courage to follow through. Because of You Lord Jesus, we receive grace and the Holy Spirt to face our future that may be difficult at times. The enemy will whisper fear in our ear, but our faith knows these whispers are a lie. Help us obey Your teachings as we step ahead following Your Way. Amen.
