FIXING OUR GAZE ON GOD
…And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 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.
Hebrews 12:1b-2 (NIV)
I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.
Psalm 121:1-2 (NIV)
For years, I thought the Christian life was more about what not to do: I couldn’t look at this, I couldn’t partake in that, I shouldn’t do this, I shouldn’t do that. Today’s passages provide a different perspective. Rather than focusing on what not to do, these verses direct our attention toward what to do.
The writer of Hebrews urged his Jewish readers not to miss the Messiah. They were in danger of missing Jesus, the long-awaited Savior and King. He reminded them that the story that began with Adam and Eve was not over and pleaded with them to continue running with perseverance. Note that the text says fixing our eyes. This is not a casual, once-in-a-while glance but a full-on, continuous focus on Jesus.
You may wonder how we look toward someone we cannot see. Well, what’s in view when we look at someone’s face? Their presence and character, right? Fixing our eyes on Jesus involves craving his presence. Although Jesus is physically absent now, we can experience His presence within us through the Helper He sent in His name, the Holy Spirit. Looking to Jesus also involves gazing upon His trustworthy character revealed to us in the pages of Scripture. Whenever you get discouraged or frustrated—feeling like you want to quit—fix your eyes on Jesus. He will give you the strength to finish the race that’s marked out for you.
APPLICATION: Write down several things you know to be true about God. This might include His promises, words that describe His character, or the ways He’s described in the Bible. Keep this list in front of you today to help you fix your gaze on Jesus.
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, help me keep my eyes on You so that I can run with perseverance the race You have marked out for me. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?