VISION FOR IMPACT (5)

“Now it came to pass, when the time had come for Him to be received up, that He steadfastly SET HIS FACE to go to Jerusalem” – Luke 9:51

The Future is defined, determined, and defended principally through Divine VISION for IMPACT: “Now it came to pass, when the time had come for Him to be received up, that He steadfastly SET HIS FACE to go to Jerusalem” (Lk.9:51). There was no room for distraction or deviation from the pathway of destiny. With Vision burning in His Heart, the Lord Jesus set His sights on Jerusalem. He had been there several times already, but this time was different. With steely resolve, Jesus began His final ministry tour that led Him toward His final visit to Jerusalem, the cross and the tomb, before the Glorious Resurrection!

Here, the Lord demonstrated “Divine Grit” or steely resolve, a quality that should be seen in every believer who ponders on the fact that life is brief and should not be wasted – “He set His Face”! He wasn’t going to Jerusalem accidentally. He was going by Appointment – by Divine Design. He knew all about the temporary reception on the Palm Sunday when the crowd came out in droves to sing His praises; yet he remained tranquil. They were initially ready to crown Him king. But He knew that this ready reception will soon turn into rejection. Vision kept Him focused and committed. That’s its Value!

Vision enhances Focus. Whoever has clear direction is automatically focused, and will do anything to fight distractions. He set His face as a flint until he arrived his expected end. People of Vision are people of Focus!

Vision infuses Strength. For a person to get easily tired of an assignment is a sure sign of not pursuing a vision. Without a bearing, life is bound to be boring. In contrast, a person of Vision enjoys a continuous supply of Grace – Energy and Strength. When by Vision, we are driving at accomplishing a task, we’ll always have the energy and strength to keep at it.

Vision eradicates Waste: of Time, Talents, and Treasures. Vision is the cure for waste. Whoever has located God’s Plan and Purpose and is pursuing them would not allow anyone to waste his time. People of Vision carry a “catch-a-flight” mentality. If we’re hurrying to catch a flight and someone comes visiting, we’ll not hesitate to quickly be excused and bid the visitor farewell. People of Vision live waste-free lives, being committed to the pursuit of definite goals!

Vision cancels Shame and produces Finishers (Heb.12: 1-2). Jesus was determined to finish His assignment, as prophesied in Isaiah 50:7, “For the Lord God will help Me; therefore I will not be disgraced; therefore I have SET MY FACE like a flint, and I know that I will not be ashamed.” The Lord modelled discipleship, and also taught it: “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the Kingdom of God” (vs.62).