…fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy
set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the
right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from
sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:2-3
The letter to the Hebrews was written to first century Jewish background
believers who were being severely persecuted. Some were even considering giving
up their faith in Jesus. The unknown author pens what many Bible scholars feel
was originally a sermon about the superiority of Jesus over anyone else and
everything else.
He slowly builds his case to culminate in the great faith chapter. In this
chapter, he also points out that some great men and women of faith lived to see
the fruit of their faith while many others—also men and women of faith—died
prematurely because of persecution. Now in chapter twelve, the author makes what
I think is his critical statement or main point of the letter.
How do we walk by faith? We walk by faith by keeping our eyes fixed on
Jesus! Not fixed on our problems or difficult environment of opposition.
Jesus was the pioneer and perfecter of faith. He endured opposition to the point
of crucifixion. So we follow His example and we will also patiently endure
because of the joy we know that is yet to come.
In a communist country, a Christian girl named Viorica was beaten harshly in
school because she had invited her schoolmates to church. She fainted during the
beating, and an ambulance had to take her to hospital. Two days passed before
she regained consciousness. When she did, the doctor at her bedside said, “You
poor girl, at last you’ve opened your eyes. All this time I’ve been thinking of
the cruelty of the director who beat you like this. My heart has been bitter
with hatred. I wish I could take revenge on him.”
Viorica smiled. “There is no need to hate him,” she replied. Jesus taught us
to love everyone. Just before I opened my eyes, I saw Him and talked to Him. He
asked me whether it still hurts. And He told me that in heaven I will receive a
very beautiful crown, which is reserved only for those who have suffered for
Him. He told me to pray for those who mistreated me, and to love them, because
our influence will help them to give their lives to God and so become His
children.”
From the mouths of children! Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus!
RESPONSE: Today I will take my eyes off my surroundings, my problems, my
fears and my suffering. I will keep them fixed on Jesus my Lord.
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, help me keep my focus on You and in so doing bring
glory and honor to You.
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