Note to the Lord:The Cross in the Distance

Scripture Reflections:Matthew 20

17Now as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside and said to them,

The cross was not a surprise to you Lord Jesus, it may have been to the disciples on some level. You knew exactly why you were going to Jerusalem and yet you walked right in the gate because you knew it was the Father’s will.

18"We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and the teachers of the law.

There were steps along the way that lead to the cross. The Jerusalem experience would begin with betrayal. One of those who you taught, mentored and discipled would betray you. The reality of that must have been crushing.

I wonder if part of the reason for these glimpses of the cross before hand was for the sake of Judas. Were you trying to get his attention? We you reaching out to him before he stumbled headlong into a noose? Betrayal did not surprise you. Nor did you refused to trust in the face of impending betrayal instead you told your betrayer what he would do.

They will condemn him to death 19and will turn him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified.

Condemned to death...in a more authentic way than any movie could render you knew yourself to be a dead man walking as you moved along the path that would lead you to the city gate.

On the third day he will be raised to life!"

You saw the empty tomb even before you entered the city gates....yes you knew of the cross, but you also knew what was beyond it. That is an example of faith in the Father’s will and direction. You knew as surely of the cross as you did of the empty tomb.

So where is the upfront and personal? You want me to walk the walk even when it leads to Jerusalem and the cross. I am not quite certain that I have that kind of courage. Yet you have said that I need to take up my cross and follow after you. There is only one reason to carry a cross.

Lord Jesus--I choose to follow you even to the places that I would choose not to go if it were not for your call. Give me a vision for your plan...you are clear as to what the future holds. You have promised that those on whom the Spirit was poured would have knowledge that is available through no other source. I claim the promise of your word...

Joel 2:28 28 "
And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy,your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.

Refresh my spirit and vision again...