LOOKING UNTO JESUS

LOOKING UNTO JESUS the Author and Finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God – Hebrews 12: 2

As Christians, we are called upon to follow the Lord Jesus Christ. We must have our eyes fixed upon Him as “the Pioneer and Perfecter of our faith” (Heb.12:2). Jesus is our best role model in the race set before us. Let’s keep our eyes on Him! With all the yuletide hype, it can be very easy to get enthralled by the materialism of the season; plummeted and suffocated by advertisements and glittering social media. This materialistic philosophy tells us that life is about what we own; but life isn’t about stuff. Walking in the mentality of materialism, things are never enough; it is always an insatiable desire for more!

Keeping our eyes on Jesus brings us security. Jesus is the “Author”, “Founder”, and “Pioneer” of our faith. He is our Leader, Captain and Hero. While we each must run this race, and work and pray hard, in the end, the start and finish of our faith are in His hands. When Peter walked on water; as long as he kept his eyes on Jesus, he was fine. But when he looked at the storm around him, he began to sink (Mt.14:29-31). Keeping our eyes on Jesus strengthens our courage. Jesus despised the shame of the cross. It was a shame He didn’t deserve, but He faced it. As we follow Him, we’ll receive the courage to carry our cross, however difficult it may be.

Keeping your eyes on Jesus reminds you of the goal: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Mt. 6:21). Where is your heart in this season? Is it with God? Where is your treasure? Is Jesus the Source of your satisfaction? On His part, Jesus kept going “for the joy that was set before Him.” We need not be caught up in the mania of this season. The reward ahead is worth the long and tough race we’re called to run. There’s joy set before us: Joy in bringing others to Jesus and helping them grow; joy in finishing the race well, strong, and in faithfulness; and eternal joy in the presence of the Lord!