Apostolic Determination by John Polis

To “determine” means to decide; fix or set the bounds of; put an end to something. “Determination” means purpose or resolution. Jesus demonstrated the meaning of this word in His earthly apostolic ministry, as we shall see from scripture. Determination seems to be a predominant characteristic of people with apostolic grace, enabling them to fix the bounds of God’s purpose and resolve to accomplish it.

While reading the Gospels, I noticed how often Jesus said, “I MUST” concerning many aspects of His life and realized this was an expression of His determination. Beginning in Mark 8:31, He spoke of a determination to endure physical, mental, and emotional abuse.

“And He began to teach them that the Son of Man MUST suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.” Mark 8:31

In Mark 14:49, He spoke of His determination to see every prophetic word spoken over His life fulfilled,

“I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and you did not seize Me. But the Scriptures MUST be fulfilled” Mark 14:49 (see also Luke 22:37; 24:44).

Moving to Luke’s Gospel, we immediately see the determination of Jesus,

“I MUST be about my Father’s business.” Luke 2:49

Here Jesus is determined to fulfill the bounds of sonship by representing His Father’s vision and interests. Apostles know the importance of the Father/Son relationship through which generational inheritance is obtained, and fruitfulness in ministry is assured. Apostles cannot avoid the necessity of relating to spiritual fathers by virtue of their apostolic gifting but will become the most mature fathers themselves by fulfilling sonship requirements while serving the vision of another. In Luke 4:43, Jesus is determined to establish the Kingdom of God in multiple locations by traveling to numerous cities to preach the Gospel,

“I MUST preach the Kingdom of God to other cities also, because for this purpose I have been sent.” Luke 4:43

True apostles will also have a vision for multiple locations where they can deposit the precious anointing and revelation entrusted to them by the Lord. In Luke 19:5, Jesus is determined not to miss even an individual divine appointment when he tells Zaccheus,

“Make haste and come down, for today I MUST stay at your house”. Luke 19:5

Touching individuals’ lives is as necessary as reaching masses to those with apostolic anointing, and the fact that the Kingdom consists of individuals who need God’s love revealed to them is never out of the apostolic mindset.

Last, of all, in John’s Gospel, we find the Son of God determined to use every waking moment for the advancement of the Kingdom of God, there was no imbalance in His use of time and resources.

I MUST work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work.” John 9:4.

Jesus had fixed this purpose within Himself, that all the time He had as a man on earth would be devoted to God’s work, apostles rarely are planning to retire, but to refire. And in John 10:16, Jesus has determined to bring under His spiritual oversight all those appointed to His care,

“And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I MUST bring, and they will hear my voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd.” John 10:16

Apostles have sheep all over the world and continually are going after those sheep that may be in foreign lands or different states to include them in their sheepfolds.

Determination is needed in the lives of believers today because there is much that remains unfinished in the vineyard. As Apostolic leaders, we MUST impart determination to those we serve.

Taken from Dr. John Polis’ book Built Strong: Wisdom For Today’s Apostles.