Looking Unto Jesus

This world in which we live is replete with spiritual road blocks, distractions and other challenges that can easily cause us (as Christians) to lose our focus and suffer spiritual relapses. The writer of Hebrews admonishes us to lay aside any besetting hindrances, "looking unto Jesus" who is the author (the initiator ) and the finisher (completer) of our faith. (Heb 12:2). Many of the issues we face daily can be hindrances or even detriments to our Christian faith as we journey heavenward with our eyes on the true prize - Jesus.

In John 6:67, Jesus asks His disciples a profound question, “WILL YOU ALSO GO AWAY”? He asked this question because in the context of the account, we find that some of His disciples had lost their focus and had turned back from following Him. We find then, that this lack of focus and determination is not a new phenomenon found only in our time. Even the disciples of Jesus, in His day, were prone to being distracted and suffering relapses, even though they walked (physically) with Jesus daily. What was it that caused the disciples to lose their focus and turn back to the world? In a nutshell, it was because they were facing severe persecution because of their faith in Jesus, and they could not accept the delay in achieving the gratification which they were promised.

The writer of Hebrews (chapter 12) encouraged the fledgling Christian church to hold on to their faith and not give up, remembering that there was a "great cloud of witnesses" cheering them on to the finish line. These were witnesses who were not strangers to the suffering they were presently experiencing. However, they first had to lay aside any besetting hindrances - the "weight and the sin" which held them back. Then they were encouraged to Look unto Him - JESUS - the one who had begun the work in them.

Is your spiritual life (or even your physical life) beset with hindrances to your successful walk with Jesus? Do you sometimes feel like "GOING AWAY" as the disciples did. If so, I want to encourage you to avert your focus away from your spiritual roadblocks, distractions, disappointments, suffering and other challenges and Look unto Jesus the author and finisher of your faith. He, Himself, "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." He is your example today. He was first partaker as an example for us, showing us that we too can be overcomers. LOOK TO JESUS! Do it today.

Your comments are invited.