Here is today’s Bible reading:  Deuteronomy 21:1-22:30; Luke 9:51-10:12; Psalm 74:1-23; Proverbs 12:11.

Luke 9:51 (NIV)
As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem.

I love this verse. It shows Jesus with backbone, with intestinal fortitude.  He knew what awaited in Jerusalem–chanting mobs and crucifixion on a cross.  Yet, he “resolutely” set out for Jerusalem.  He was on a mission, and nothing would stop Him.  I need some of that “resoluteness”.  I also find it interesting, though, that the verse does not say, “as the time approached for him to be crucified”.  Rather, it focuses on him being taken up to heaven.  The cross was not the end of the story.  Perhaps Jesus could be so resolute because He knew what was after the cross. In the same way, we can be resolute as we consider that this life is not the end of the story.  We too as God’s redeemed children will be taken up to heaven.