Wednesday, August 24, 2016

The Jesus Focus


UV 2050/10000 The Jesus Focus
Looking unto 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 set down at the right hand of the throne of God
Hebrews 12 v 2
Jesus is the locus or central point of our faith. We need to focus on Him as His act of sacrifice on the cross makes Him our eternal Redeemer and our Saviour and help every single day and moment. He is the One who writes the story of our faith from beginning to end. He is the One who completes our faith and perfects it. We need to develop not a laser -like focus but a Jesus-like focus who set His eyes like flint upon the cross once it became evident that there was no other way to redeem mankind. On account of His sharp and determined focus, Jesus did not get discouraged by setbacks or the shame that accompanied the sentencing after a mock trial to death on the cross. He was not discouraged by the thoughts of the physical pain, torture and trauma of the painful hours of being nailed to the cross and being hanged on the cross. Jesus went to the cross as a meek Lamb but He rose again as a lion king. The reward of being seated at the right hand of the Father forever encouraged Him even as He contemplated His humiliation and suffering on the cross.

As we focus on Jesus, we will also be able to undergo the trials and suffering of our own lives. Our eyes should be trained to think of our eternal crown of life and gain and we will be able to endure the pain, rejection, trials and suffering in our lives. Jesus now dwells by faith in us, seated on the throne of our hearts as the Lion King. His sovereign will be done in our lives. God is enthroned in our hearts even as He sits on the white throne in heaven. His might, power, splendour, glory, grace and mercy are manifest in our lives.

Like Peter who commenced walking on the water of the Sea of Galilee fixing his gaze upon Jesus, we should not only begin with focus but not take our eyes off Jesus. As we fix our gaze upon Him, He will do many wonders in our lives. If our focus shifts, we will sink in the miry waters but if we hold fast to this focus on the locus of life, Jesus, we will be standing and walking on rock. He will give us the grace and strength to endure and to overcome in life even as He overcame. Looking unto Jesus implies seeking Him in all our situations and challenges. Looking unto Jesus implies doing His will in our lives. Looking unto Jesus is seeking His guidance and wisdom in all puzzling scenarios in our lives to obtain a clear sense of direction. Looking unto Jesus implies not just believing in Him as our eternal Redeemer but a daily leaning on Him and the Holy Spirit He sends to us.

Prateep V Philip

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