Set Your Eyes on Jesus

Heb 12:1–3. MEV

Hebrews 12:1–3 MEV

Therefore, since we are encompassed with such a great cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. Let us look to 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 seated at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and your hearts give up.

Our generation is absorbed with sports. Actually, sports have always captured the attention of the public. This has been true throughout the centuries. Stadiums in the days of the Romans and Greeks were six times as long as some of our modern day football fields. One Roman Senator complained that athletes were more popular than politicians. They still are! In the days of the Bible the most respected athlete was a runner. Boxing, javelin throwing, wrestling, etc., were important sports, but nothing was more revered than the great runner. So the writer of Hebrew used running as an illustration of the Christian life. One wise guy said that the fastest human being ever was Adam. When asked how that could be true, the man replied, "Because he was the FIRST man in the HUMAN RACE." Well, let's get serious. Every athlete and every team begins the season in his or her sport with a vision of being victorious. The Christian who truly loves Christ must approach the Christian life the same way. The writer to the Hebrews shares a way for us to envision and experience victory by using the illustration of a runner as an example in the Christian walk and life. To run effectively in the Christian race, we must have a proper vision - we must keep our eye on Jesus. We must not get caught up in images the world places before us.

Taking our eyes off Jesus is the most dangerous thing we could ever do. It is also the easiest. We can let past hurts, troubles, or even good things like ministry distract us from the ultimate prize, which is Christ alone.

Keeping our eyes upon Jesus is rarely an easy thing. Our old, fleshly natures conspire against any attempt to remain faithful toJesus. We can forget that our reward is Jesus Himself and wander off into the vain pursuit of other things. We can allow the cares of this world to push us away from Jesus instead of looking to Him in the midst of our pain and difficulties.

Dedication