Our Father’s Agenda
Let the Christ, the King of Israel, descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe.” Even those who were crucified with Him reviled Him. ~ Mark 15:32
Have you ever started your day with a carefully planned schedule only to have God interrupt it with something completely unexpected? Sometimes the greatest moments of purpose are found in the interruptions we never planned.
Everyone in today’s passage had an agenda. Simon of Cyrene was simply passing by. The soldiers were doing their jobs. The thieves had spent their lives pursuing selfish gain. The religious leaders wanted Jesus dead. The crowd was there for entertainment. Everyone thought they were pursuing their own plans.
But right in the middle of every human agenda stood God’s eternal purpose. It was really what everyone there was to accomplish. Simon never expected to carry a cross that morning. The soldiers had no idea they were participating in the greatest moment of redemption in history. The priests believed they were silencing Jesus but they were really helping fulfill prophecy.
Every person thought they were in control, but God was the one that put together that plan and He is the One who made it happen at that exact moment in time.
And what about Jesus? His agenda never changed. While everyone around Him focused on themselves, Jesus remained focused on His Father. Even while hanging on the cross, He prayed, “Father, forgive them.” He wasn’t thinking about escaping, praying for the pain to go away, trying to prove He was right or trying to protect His reputation. He was completing His Father’s assignment.
That challenges me, today. How often do I wake up thinking only about my own plans? How often does God lovingly interrupt my schedule because He has something better in mind? Following Jesus means surrendering not only our lives, but also our calendars, our conversations, and our expectations.
Here area some simple ways to practice living on God’s agenda.
- Begin every morning by asking, “Lord, what do You want to accomplish through my life today?”
- Hold your schedule loosely enough for God to redirect it.
- View interruptions as possible divine appointments.
- Remember that God’s purpose is always greater than your convenience.
In my life, I’ve seen some of God’s greatest opportunities have arrived disguised as interruptions. The meeting that ran late, the unexpected phone call, or the conversation I didn’t have time for often became the very assignment God had planned all along. God’s calendar doesn’t always match mine. Thankfully, His is much more organized than mine!
Here are some ways you can get started today:
- Pray before looking at your schedule.
- Ask God to show you one person to encourage today.
- Welcome interruptions instead of resenting them.
- End your day by thanking God for the opportunities He provided.
Today I want to encourage you to surrender your agenda to your heavenly Father every single day. Invite Him to direct your steps, interrupt your plans when necessary, and lead you into the assignments He has prepared just for you. There is no greater joy than partnering with God in His purpose. When you live for His agenda instead of your own, you’ll discover the peace, fulfillment, and eternal impact that only come from walking where He is leading.
Today’s scripture reading: Mark 15:21-32
21 Then they compelled a certain man, Simon a Cyrenian, the father of Alexander and Rufus, as he was coming out of the country and passing by, to bear His cross.
22 And they brought Him to the place Golgotha, which is translated, Place of a Skull.
23 Then they gave Him wine mingled with myrrh to drink, but He did not take it.
24 And when they crucified Him, they divided His garments, casting lots for them to determine what every man should take.
25 Now it was the third hour, and they crucified Him.
26 And the inscription of His accusation was written above:
THE KING OF THE JEWS.
27 With Him they also crucified two robbers, one on His right and the other on His left.
28 So the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “And He was numbered with the transgressors.”
29 And those who passed by blasphemed Him, wagging their heads and saying, “Aha! You who destroy the temple and build it in three days,
30 save Yourself, and come down from the cross!”
31 Likewise the chief priests also, mocking among themselves with the scribes, said, “He saved others; Himself He cannot save.
32 Let the Christ, the King of Israel, descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe.” Even those who were crucified with Him reviled Him.
Journal:
- Am I living primarily for my agenda or God’s?
- How has God used interruptions in my life before?
- What assignment might God have for me today?
- Am I willing to change my plans if He asks?
- How can I become more sensitive to His leading?
The Daily Dose 