“When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. And he sent messengers ahead of him. On their way they entered a village of the Samaritans to make ready for him; but they did not receive him, because his face was set towards Jerusalem. When his disciples James and John saw it, they said, ‘Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?’ But he turned and rebuked them. Then they went on to another village.” (Luke 10:51-56)  This Sunday’s gospel lesson marks one of the primary turning points in Luke’s story of Jesus.  Here Jesus “sets his face” for Jerusalem.  The term refers to his resolute and relentless movement in the one direction toward that which awaits him there.  Luke is probably also referencing Isaiah 50 wherein the “servant” sets his face “like flint.”  Two things stand out for me this week.  First, Jesus is moving with grave determination, but the rest of the gang do not seem to be.  James and John want to destroy the Samaritans who hassle Jesus.  That is somewhat “off message” as we say today.  Then what follows next (verses 57-62) are three would-be disciples who want to follow but have some other important matters to which they must first attend.  And so, we have this powerful contrast between Jesus’ resolution and the disciples’ (our?) somewhat more meandering approach to commitment.  It is stark and perhaps even terrifying.  Maybe we might even be tempted to despair of ever following faithfully because of the many distractions that so often have in pursuit of our Lord.  But that brings us to the second point.  For Jesus of course, is resolutely moving toward the cross but he has something different in sight and in mind than simply his death.  No, for it is we to whom Jesus moves with a relentless determination.  It is his deep and unending love for you and me that will not, nor cannot be turned aside by anyone or anything!  No matter what distraction or problem that you may face this week, never forget this: God is for you and not against you.  Moreover, our gracious Lord never has, nor ever will lose his determination to save us.  Have a great week!