BE RESOLVED TO LIVE FOR HIM – Monday, January 11th, 2021

By: Pastor Chris Oyakhilome

Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God (John 13:3 NIV).

In Acts 21, the saints at Tyre warned and pleaded with Paul not to go to Jerusalem, because of the afflictions he’d face there. They told him he’d be tortured, imprisoned and killed. But Paul’s response is most inspiring! He said, “…Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus” (Acts 21:13 NIV). 

What a resolve! He refused to fear; he set his face like Jesus, to go to Jerusalem, even though it meant death! The Bible says, “And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem” (Luke 9:51). The phrase, “stedfastly set” is “stērizō” (Greek), which means “to turn resolutely in a certain direction,” to be resolved. 

Jesus’ countenance was so resolute that anybody that looked at Him knew He was up to something; he had made a decision. He knew what was awaiting Him in Jerusalem. He said to His disciples, …The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified…” (Luke 24:7), but He was undeterred; He steadfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem. 

The Samaritans were hostile to Him, because they could see on His face He was headed to Jerusalem, and they didn’t like it (Luke 9:53). His decision was obvious from His countenance; registered on His visage! Why? He knew the Father was depending on Him. 

Even though the Father had given all things into His hands, the decision about whether or not to die for the world, was left to Him (Jesus); but He was focused. This is how you should be resolved to serve Him with your life, to live as a Christian, no matter what! 

Make a decision that’s worthy of Jesus, because He made a decision to save you. Never allow any form of distraction in your service to the Lord and spreading of the Gospel around the world. Let it be so strong that even your countenance conveys it.

CONFESSION:

I live purposefully unto the Lord, and for His glory. I’m excited about the Holy Spirit, about the Word of God, and fervent in soul winning. Irrespective of the challenges and the difficulties in today’s world, I’m resolved in serving the Lord, shining brightly in glory and righteousness. Hallelujah!

FURTHER STUDY: 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: 15 And [that] he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. 

John 9:4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. 

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING: 

1-Year Bible Reading Plan = Matthew 8:28-9:1-17 & Genesis 27-28

2-Year Bible Reading Plan = Matthew 5:21-30 & Genesis 11