Facing Jerusalem
The scriptures tell us Jesus set His face towards Jerusalem. (Luke 9:51) That is quite remarkable. Jesus knew what was going to happen in Jerusalem. The betrayal, the rigged trial, the flogging, the mocking, the heavy cross, the crucifixion. And yet He set his face to go. Determined.
If it had been me, I would have pulled a Jonah and run as far away as I could go. Who would want to go through that. Sometimes we think it might have been easier of Jesus since He was the Son of God. In fact, it was harder…His life was a continual advance into deeper gloom, culminating in the crucifixion. He lived always in the shadow of the cross.
We have been given the mercy not to know what lies ahead for us. Jesus knew. As a boy growing up no doubt he had seen crucifixion since it was a Roman form of execution. The crosses would have lined the roadways as dying men screamed in pain. He knew the gruesomeness and horror. Yet He set his face to go.
There is an old hymn, Lead me to Calvary, written by Jennie E. Hussey. I love the words, they have been my prayer for the last few days:
“King of my life, I crown Thee now, Thine shall the glory be; Lest I forget Thy thorn-crowned brow, Lead me to Calvary. Lest I forget Gethsemane; Lest I forget Thine agony; Lest I forget Thy love for me, Lead me to Calvary.”
How can we forget? Oh, but we do. In our busyness, self-focus we get distracted. I am so grateful He did not – does not.
Lord, lest I forget, lead me to Calvary.
You constantly give me a new way of looking at things. I can’t even imagine how it felt to have the cross hanging over his head. Thank you Jesus for loving us enough.
and thank you Ruth for showing me a different view.
All too wonderful to comprehend ! The thief on the cross asked Jesus to remember him when he came into his Kingdom , ” Today you shall be with me in Paradise.” was Jesus reply . We may disappoint many times, Jesus never will . Thank you Ruth.
so many great hymns that are favorites for Easter…another favorite of mine that I can’t get out of my mind is At The Cross…”where I first saw the light and the burden of my heart rolled away…”
bless you this Easter Ruth,
Tom