Monday 23rd June
Read Luke 9:51
“As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem.” (NIVUK)
We forget sometimes that following Jesus requires courage. There are things we are expected to do which are hard, both physically and emotionally. When troubles arrive unexpectedly that can be a blessing. But when we know they are coming, to face them nevertheless requires courage.
The strange phrase, ‘to be taken up’, (a noun of all things!), is unique in the New Testament and is perhaps intended to encourage the reader to compare Jesus’ experience with Elijah’s, with whom He was only recently conversing, and who also knew in advance the day of his being ‘taken up’ into heaven. Knowing what is ahead requires courage of a different kind altogether.
When we follow Jesus we can be confident that troubles will arise, suffering will follow, and that the cost must be counted beforehand. We can also have confidence that Jesus has walked before us. He resolutely set out for Jerusalem, the cross and death. Perhaps that is the fourth lesson Jesus would have us learn?
