Facing the Cross

Today, as we continue to Prepare 90 Days for Easter (P90E), we read Luke 9 and Philippians 2.25-30.

I found something years ago that I haven't got over and I was refreshed with it this morning.   It is found in  Luke 9.53- But the people did not receive him, because his face was set toward Jerusalem.
It can also be state that he 'set His face toward Jerusalem.'

What in Jerusalem caused Him to look ahead and prepare His course of action toward it? Well, it was the cross.  I believe there three times when Christ became more and more narrowly focused on dying on the cross to give us redemption.
The first time was during the temptations in the desert. What the devil tried to do there, people tried to do until he went to the cross.  People wanted. Him focused on something else besides the cross.  Maybe it was feeding and providing social needs for people.  Maybe it was amazing people with miraculous acts.  Maybe it was being the conqueror of the world.  Whatever they wanted, the devil had already tempted and  He was never deterred by them. He had already dealt with such temptations in the desert.
The next time is this passage. From here on out, He is set toward Jerusalem.
Lastly, it was in the garden, when He prayed on the eve of His death.
Three significant times for Christ and each time zooming in closer on the cross.

How 'zoomed in' are you on the cross? This world will try to deter you...don't you let it.
Are you living in the 'light' of the cross, while also living in the 'shadow' of the cross?
Our hope, our focus, our message, our guiding light is found in the cross.

Live today with your face set upon it!