The Father’s Voice: Upward Focus
“Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God.
When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!” Hebrews 12:2-3
What do you keep your eyes on? Who do you focus on? Whatever or whoever you place your affections on…your steady gaze…that’s who you will become.
“Oh, but I’m just checking it out”, you say. “I’m not going to step over the line here or make it my primary concern.”
Famous last words.
That’s the beginning of a slow decline which turns into a slippery slope and when you crash at the bottom, you wonder, “what happened?”
The answer is simple. You took your eyes off Jesus. You thought you could do this Christian walk by gazing on another’s relationship with the Savior. “If I could become just like her, or respond to hardships like he does, or have her joy…THEN I would never lose sight of where I’m headed. I would respond to anything that comes my way just like Jesus did when He walked to His cross.
That’s great…in theory. Not in real life. You need to shift your focus upward. Your eyes need to be FIXED on Jesus…the Author and Perfecter of your faith. That’s a permanent, steady stare. You are anchored in Him. Established. Immobile. You know that you know He is your salvation and hope. He will never fail you. All others will.
Why would you want to look around when He IS the answer to your questions. He IS the solution to your problems. He IS the strength in your weakness. He IS the
One who put up with anything along the way to His cross. And right now He is seated at the right hand of God the Father interceding for you and me!!
It comes down to trust. “How do you focus on the Unseen?,” you say. “How do you expect me to fix my eyes on Jesus when I don’t even see Him?”
Answer: Trust His promises. It’s not that you see Him with your eyes. You see Him with the eyes of your heart (mind, will and emotions). And as you search the Scriptures daily, He comes alive. Your flagging faith grows up. Nothing and no one attracts you anymore…or can become the center of your attention as you steep in His Word.
Nope. You’re attached to Jesus. He occupies your thoughts. He is your one Magnificent Obsession! All due to a change in focus.
