“As the day of His ascension approached, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem.”
-Luke 9:51
Resolutions are a popular topic this time of year. We typically use the term as a noun. We throw resolutions out there like pipe dreams without any real expectancy of holding fast, enduring, persevering, or reaching the goal.
In Luke 9:51 the word is an adverb, “resolutely.” It describes the manner with which Jesus “set out for Jerusalem,” that is for the shameful arrest, brutal scourging, and His excruciating death on a cross.
There are many significant differences between fallen humanity and Jesus, the eternal Son, the exclusive God-man, and our unique Savior. One difference is resolve. Jesus didn’t possess it in one or two areas of His sinless life. No. Through the eternal relationship with the Holy Spirit, Jesus possesses the power of divine-resolve comprehensively in every aspect, facet, and dimension - always and forever.
When we make a resolution to lose weight, eat right, study harder, drop an addiction, or get our life “back in order,” we do so, generally speaking, without any thought, submission, recognition, or accountability to Christ. Therein lies the reason for persistent and pervasive failure.
See Exodus 33:15-16. Moses comprehended fully the absolutely nonsensical and utterly pointless notion of moving on without God’s Presence (Holy Spirit) leading, guiding, correcting, comforting, and dwelling in Israel’s midst. Moses knew nothing else would distinguish Israel from all the other peoples on earth. Not their dress code, not the Law, not their dietary restrictions. Not their genealogical link to Abraham. Moses knew it was NOTHING but the Holy Spirit, the literal Presence of God.
In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul acknowledged the same thing, but from a different perspective. In Galatians 5 Paul writes about the contrast between the works of the flesh (anger, lust, greed, selfish ambitions, et al) and the fruit of the Spirit: Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. All our “resolutions” fit into one or more of those categories, but trying to produce fruit of the Spirit without Him is like trying to be an apple farmer without any trees. It’s absolutely futile. Yet year after year the "resolutions" are made... only to crash and burn months, weeks, days, or hours into the New Year.
Scripture teaches us the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, wisdom, and understanding (Proverbs 9:10; Psalm 111:10).
Scripture teaches us to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and that all our legit needs will be addressed (Matt 6:33).
Scripture teaches us whatever we do, work at it with all our heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters... including ourselves - the most corrupt master of all! (Colossians 3:23).
How do you make your “New Year resolution” different this year? How do you make it stick? How do you reach your goals and produce fruit in your life that truly matters and endures eternally? You begin where the Bible, God’s holy and perfect word, instructs us to begin - with Christ. Begin by calling out in desperation and recognition of a life, your life, done your way wrecked and ruined beyond repair. Call out from the honesty of hopelessness for Him to reconcile and redeem your life for His glory…
He’s been waiting since you were conceived in your mother’s womb for your moment of surrender. Then, when His Spirit comes, He will begin a work in you. You will have become His instrument of blessing as a member of His Bride.
Now, rather than making passing resolutions (noun), you will resolutely (adverb) set out to accomplish His will, i.e. the will of the Father in heaven. You, like Christ, will prevail - victorious always - because no power in heaven or on earth can contend with the Almighty!
So what'll it be? More resolutions that compound disappointment and confirm failure - or an eternally victorious life resolutely poured out for His eternal glory?
Your call.
Blessings,
-Kevin M. Kelley
aMostUnlikelyDisciple.com
