For This Purpose
For This Purpose
“Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? But for this purpose I came to this hour. Father, glorify Your name” (Jn. 12:27, 28).
This prayer was uttered by our Lord on Sunday before His death on Friday. He knew what was ahead; all the pain, suffering, and agony of the cross. No doubt, this was the greatest trial ever faced.
In spite of the suffering, Jesus pressed forward with His mission to redeem men from their sin. He honored the Father’s will and submitted to a humiliating trial, terrible physical abuse, and the crucifixion (Mk. 14:53-15:37). He did it because it was the right thing to do and it was His purpose.
What is our purpose?
Some men believe the purpose of life is to hoard as many material possessions as possible. They lay up treasures on earth (Matt. 6:19-21). Greed and gain motivate them in their actions, shape their attitude, and determine their destiny. Most of these folks are miserable (1 Tim. 6:10).
Many pursue pleasure as the highest purpose in life; their “god is their belly” (Phil. 3:19). They seek out sex, drugs, or even extreme danger to give them that rush they crave. If it is not pleasurable, they do not want to waste their time and work diligently to avoid it. If they are not on a high, they are depressed or board. They have an hole in their soul they are trying to fill, but cannot…at least they way they are trying.
Fame is the ultimate point for countless millions (Gal. 6:3). They want to be known, loved, feared, honored, talked about, praised, followed, voted for, and more. Some of these people are in politics or on reality TV. Others are our next-door neighbors and classmates. They might seek fame by applying a genuine skill to its fullest, never giving up. It might also be through horrific acts of violence they believe will cause them to go down in the history books.
Each of the above—materialism, pleasure, fame—are sought after because people want contentment in life. They believe what they are doing will bring that satisfaction and make life worthwhile. What they find out sooner or later is that it is all vanity.
Sound familiar?
Solomon tried all these things in his life and found them to be like grasping for the wind; a futile activity (Ecc. 1:17; 2:17). He stated by inspiration that the purpose of life, the way to find true happiness and peace, is to “Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all” (Ecc. 12:13).
If this is our purpose, what are we willing to do to realize it?
Many people who want possessions, pleasure, or power will do whatever it takes to get it. They will sacrifice their time and energy. They will forsake friends and even family. They will lose sleep. A move across the country—or around the world—to further their self-determined purpose is not uncommon. Countless hours will be spent in study, exercise, practice, and labor just to reach the next plateau. We often admire someone’s determination in these things.
What are we willing to do for our divine purpose? Jesus was willing to leave heaven, live in the flesh on earth, suffer greatly, and die awfully. He endured so much for you and me. What are we willing to endure for Him?
Being a Christian, devoting our life to the Creator, is no easy task. The devil is constantly trying to get us to give up. He uses the world masterfully to devour our souls. If it is not temptation that appeals to our carnal desires, it is persecution that strikes fear in us.
Are we willing to deny the flesh to fulfill our purpose? Are we willing to withstand intimidation and suffer great pain; emotionally and physically? If not, are we truly dedicated? Are we really fulfilling our purpose?
We need to stop and seriously consider the purpose of life. God has determined it. Let us accept it and be willing, like our Lord, to fulfill it.
