Eyes Fixed on Jesus

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 12:2 (NIV)

God’s promise—fulfilled at the cross to draw us closer to Him—does not compel us to perform rituals to prove our faith, nor does it require us to traverse a desert of suffering to attain it. On the contrary, it helps us turn toward Jesus, believe in His sacrifice, lean upon Him, and entrust Him with the total control of our lives. It is He—Jesus—who helps us grow in faith and conform to God’s standards. Consider what this verse tells us: He is the Pioneer and the Finisher of our faith. By the term "Finisher," the author implies that it is He—Jesus—who will help us attain the level of faith we need to live according to God’s will.

Even taking into account our weaknesses and limitations, He helps us live in sanctification. He does not tally the number of our sins to make a decision regarding us, nor does He weigh our past actions to determine the measure of grace He will grant us. From the very moment we accept Him as our Savior and Lord, He grants us everything that contributes to our spiritual growth—including faith and perseverance.

At the cross, Jesus took your sins upon Himself; He opened the door to salvation. His death served to guarantee you eternal life. What, then, remains for you to do, other than to fix your eyes upon Him, allowing Him to bring to completion the work of salvation He has begun within you? The world may well discourage you, or even overwhelm you; yet, you possess something that the patriarchs did not: an Intercessor to plead your cause before God. Today, if there is one thing I would like to encourage you to do, it is this: fix your gaze upon Christ and walk according to His teachings.

May the grace and peace of God be with you.