“I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! But I have a baptism to undergo, and how distressed I am until it is completed!”
-- Jesus (Luke 12:49 – 50)

Jesus came into the world so that we might have freedom, peace, and eternal life. He came like fire bringing fiery truth and redemption. He came into this upside down world to turn it right side up and to restore wholeness, compassion, and right relationship with God and others. Jesus came so that he could wipe our slates clean of sin and usher us all into God’s grace and favor. Jesus laid down his precious life so that we could have new life. Jesus came to save us!

Well, neither you nor I can save the world, but each of us has come into the world with the same gusto, drive, and fire that Jesus came with to accomplish the purpose set for us. And just as Jesus couldn’t rest until he got His done, you can’t rest either.

Each day you leave your door – no – each day that you wake, you ought to be as scorching as fire as you work to accomplish your purpose. Every step you take should be in order with your purpose, and every word uttered from your mouth should be of that direction as well. Not a single step should be taken in fear; they should be bold and sure just like Jesus’ steps. Your words, spoken in and on purpose, should be forthright and deliberate so that everyone understands what you came to do. Your countenance should be confident and undaunting so that there are no questions about how serious you are about accomplishing your purpose, and your attitude should be unwavering so that people will know you didn’t come to play. Anything less waters down the fire of your mission, usurps your credibility, is a waste of time, and is not like Jesus.

Had Jesus hemmed-and-hawed when God told Him to save your soul, you’d have an excuse to dally your way out of vehemently fulfilling the purpose God set before you. But Jesus didn’t; He took the task on with love and respect for His Father AND your life, pursued it with passion, and stressed out when we didn’t (and don’t) live our lives in ways that show we know what He was sent to do for us. You must also, without complaint or wasting time, lovingly take on your purpose and accomplish it with zeal no matter which or how many of the Pharisees stress you out. Jesus didn’t break, you won’t either.

If you’re not on fire, if you’re not excited and burning with power and determination as you walk and work in and on your purpose, what’s the point? If you stop or give in before you have completely undergone the baptism, the tests and challenges you find on the path to your purpose, you may as well be ashes.

Sadiqqa © 2007