Purpose

A very good friend of mine recently recommended 
the book by Myles Munroe, 'In Pursuit Of Purpose' and I have been enjoying Myles' unique perspective. 
Today as I meditated on God's Word,  the verse the Holy Spirit brought to me was Mark 8:34 ... whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.
The cross always seems like a paradox, negative because Jesus suffered and died but positive because the cross provided the means of salvation and redemption. 
Hebrews 12:2 ...for the joy set before him (Jesus) he endured the cross,  scorning it's shame and sat down at the right hand of God.
This is the perfect example of purpose.
Luke 9:51 'As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven,  Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem.'
Jesus knew his purpose and he did not try to avoid it. He knew he was going to die but he resolutely set out for Jerusalem. His earthly purpose was the cross but his heavenly purpose was the redemption of mankind. The heavenly purpose trumps the earthly purpose every time and so there is joy in fulfilling the earthly purpose even if it means temporary suffering and death. 
Taking up my cross means fulfilling my earthly purpose knowing that there is a heavenly purpose associated with it. This knowledge brings me joy as I pursue my earthly purpose. 
Let us keep in our minds on our heavenly purpose as we joyfully fulfill our earthly purpose.