Each day we decide, seems like somewhat automatically, where we go, how we will respond to circumstances, and our tolerance for God. Our decisions are deeply affected by what we have permitted into our mind and soul. If we spend time with others and get to know their challenges and their desires, and these are positive influences, then we may be more understanding of, and caring towards, the needs of others. But what if we had a few specific goals in life – those ‘must do’ items we feel compelled to shape the very core of our life? Meditate on this as we study these words from Jesus today.

DATE POSTED Saturday, 2022-10-22
WRITTEN AT: Okeechobee, FL

BY: Ed Algreen 

SCRIPTURE FROM: Luke 2:48-49; Luke 4:43; Luke 9:21-22;
TRANSLATION: New King James Version (NKJV)

BIBLE TEXT: Luke 2:48 …. “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, your father and I have sought You anxiously.” 49 And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?”  Luke 4:43 but He said to them, “I must preach the kingdom of God to the other cities also, because for this purpose I have been sent.”  Luke 9:21 … He strictly warned and commanded them to tell this to no one, 22 saying, “The Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day.”

APPLICATION: Those who go about life without a specific purpose in mind, will be tossed about by every wild idea that fills the mind of those we come into contact with. For example, if you hang around a fisherman, it is very lightly that you will be convinced that there is no greater sport that fishing. Soon you will be purchasing a fishing rod to test out your friend’s theory! Some pastors prefer to keep their occupation a secret, so that you won’t have time to raise your defenses and build up a desire to fight with them about their beliefs. Instead, you will see them as just another human being going about life, just like you. Normally it won’t be very long before you start seeing them act and talk differently than the usual drunk on the corner, or the hopeless person you sometimes encounter. Each of us will discover that there are lots of options for us to choose from each day, and I don’t believe it was much different for Jesus. However, it seems very evident that Jesus had goals, or principles that he tried diligently to keep His activities and interactions in line with. Over time, we should also develop goals and principles for our life, for there are some things that cause us grief; some get us into trouble with the law, or our spouse, or our employer; some bring us genuine happiness; and often some will help us to grow, based on the value we find in the results of seeing those things work themselves out. In the three Scriptures quoted above, there were at least three things that Jesus felt compelled to do: 1). Promote, enhance and work at His Father’s business; 2). Preach the Gospel to a hungry and desperate world. It doesn’t take long for us to see the needs of people that we make contact with each day. If the love of God is in us, and the Word of God embedded into our choices for conversation and acts of service, then it won’t be long before others will see the value in becoming a child of the King! and 3). Jesus knew beforehand what was ahead for Him at Calvary, and He had no intention of trying to circumvent that suffering. Instead, He wanted that to also be meaningful to the Father, and to those who would be impacted by it. There are things that you are destined to face. You can either default to the bitterness that many fellow humans tend to experience, or you can opt to accept your destiny and ask God to use it for His glory.
I hope that, like me, your eyes have been opened to the wonderful life that God gave to His Son – including His crucifixion, and you will commit to do like Jesus did – accept with ‘a grain of salt’, the good, the bad and the ugly that others might see in life, and realize that God placed you here for a purpose just like He did with Jesus, His Son. The world was forever impacted by Jesus, and your world – your family, friends, coworkers, etc., could also be impacted by your life, if you allow Jesus to take control, lead you, and give you strength to endure every circumstance of life. Do life His way dear friend, and do not allow the sway of every friend or circumstance of life to control your reactions and commitment to your lifegoals. Jesus first, and all these things will be given to you, God being your Guide and unwavering Helper.

BLESSING(S) NOTED: We must all decide in our own hearts whether we are willing to allow the wind and waves of life to shift us around, or with God’s help, accept and strive towards a life patterned after the Lord Jesus Christ. Our goals in life will determine our words and our actions.

PRAYER: Your ‘Must-Do’ list is quite the example for us Lord. Too often we tend to just do what comes our way, and our words seem to be an unfiltered expression of whatever is on our mind. Please help us to be intentional about allowing You to fill us and use us for Your glory. Give us the strength, wisdom and determination to center our hearts on the One in whom we committed our allegiance to, and surrendered lordship of our life to. As we determine our ‘Must Do’ list, with Your help and under Your direction, I am convinced that it will be Your pleasure to embolden us, direct our speech and our path, so that others will see and experience our Lord. To God be the glory for the awesome things You will accomplish through Your children today and every day that we determine to make Your Kingdom our ultimate goal. AMEN!