“Stay on target! Stay on target!” Star Wars junkies, like me, recall this cryptic, critical battle order from command and control to young Jedi Knight Luke Skywalker as he fearlessly piloted his Star Fighter on his final attack run against the dreaded Death Star of the evil Empire.
Destruction of the Death Star required a direct hit on a specific target. Staying on target to deliver a fatal blast to the intimidating and seemingly invincible enemy military outpost was Luke’s sole objective. As Darth Vader (the man with the black hat!) breathed down his neck, and laser bombs exploded all around his lone fighter……. Luke stayed on target, relied on “the force,” blasting the Death Star into a bazillion pieces! Skywalker saved the day by staying on target. Now that we know the galaxy is safe, we can turn our attention to even more important targets in life. The Apostle Paul, nearing the end of his earthly ministry, while on trial, stood tall before King Agrippa, confidently declaring that he has stayed on target as a Christian and minister of the Good News of Jesus Christ. Observe what Paul says. “Consequently, King Agrippa, I did not prove disobedient to the heavenly vision but kept declaring both to those of Damascus first, and also at Jerusalem and then throughout all the region of Judea, and even to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds appropriate to repentance.” Acts 26:19-20 First, Paul was obedient to God’s vision for his life. Paul’s passion to pursue and fulfill the “heavenly vision” given to him commenced at his conversion (Acts 9). God’s target for Paul was to preach the Good News to Jews and Gentiles. Paul never strayed off target by being disobedient to his call. Not once no matter what he suffered. (see II Corinthians 11:22-33). Paul was ever faithful and never faltered to share his faith in Jesus Christ. Through thick and thin he “kept declaring” God’s plan of salvation. Through his entire ministry, Paul obeyed God’s command and stayed on target. Secondly, Pauls help to stay on target came from the Lord. For Paul, staying on target was standing for Christ. “The force” in Paul’s life was Jesus Christ. Paul, “having obtained help from the Lord” (verse 22) took a stand for Christ, kept standing, and would continue to stand. Paul stood for God because God stood with Paul. Third, Paul’s ministry was proof of his staying on target. Missing or falling short of the target was not an option for Paul. Through faith, Paul trusted in Christ to help him stay on target. He meant with all his might to hit the bullseye of God’s will. Paul never strayed off target. He prayed and served and stayed on target to the end. In the end, he received from Jesus the crown of righteousness as his eternal reward (II Timothy 4:7-8). Those who love Christ’s appearing will receive the same crown! I can hardly wait for that moment when I see Jesus and He sets the crown of righteousness on me! The Christian life is a lifelong mission of staying on target. Our God-given vision is our mission. Our mission is to stay on target to fulfill the vision. Paul inspires me and fires me up to stay on target! He stayed on mission and completed the vision. The devil, like Darth Vader, will do all he can to distract, discourage and destroy God’ visionaries. Satan’s strategy of destruction is designed so that Christians might stray and stay off target. Paul would have none of the enemy’s nonsense. The Apostle of grace knew where he stood in Christ. God’s Word boldly declares to believers “You are from God little children and have overcome them; for greater is He (Jesus Christ) who is in you than he (the devil) who is in the world.” (I John 4:4). Life tends to drift from time to time. Drifting off target leads to being overwhelmed and overcome by life. Staying on target keeps us overcoming in life and overwhelming the enemy! Paul was not a spiritual drifter, and neither should we be. The ultimate test and proof of Christian commitment is staying on target. Here are some thoughts on staying on target.
What “heavenly vision” has God given you? Are you being obedient to God’s vision for your life? Are you staying on target? Staying on target keeps us from straying off target. When it seems hardest to stay on target, stay on target! Look to the Lord, lean on the Holy Spirit for His help, and stay obedient to what God has called you to do. My fellow Christian, stay on target. Whatever you do, keep the faith and stay on target for Jesus Christ. “But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul.” Hebrews 10:3 “But one thing I do, forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14 A Word For Your Week: Trust God and stay on target. |
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