Fixing Our Eyes On Jesus

Aithne Morgan, Australia

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. 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. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. – Hebrews 12:1-3

devotional

During my time as a disciple I’ve heard and read this scripture many times, and it’s always something I need to hear as I can often stop focusing and fixing my eyes on Jesus and God.

Upon reflection I felt that recently I’ve definitely become hindered by things in my life such as burdens and sin which has stopped me from effectively running the race that, as the scripture says, God has marked out for me. I’ve realised that I haven’t been fixing my eyes on Jesus. Instead I’ve been fixing them on my circumstances and have started running towards other things like excelling in uni, my job and chasing to live some amazing, fun life that I see other people living.

Every time I read this scripture it really helps give me perspective. I’m reminded of how Jesus endured the cross and He did this because of the joy set before Him; the joy of getting to be with God in heaven and making that possible for me too. Because Jesus did this I too get to look forward to this joy of getting to be with God, and I too can share this joy with others.

This scripture challenges me to persevere in my walk with God and trust in Him just as Jesus did. And it really reminds me to run towards God instead of other things in my life. For myself, this year I really want to focus on having an eternal perspective, rather than just focusing on my life here and now on earth. I want to be looking to God everyday and not losing sight of Him, even if things get hard. And it’s so cool that I can run this race with so many amazing sisters so that we can help each other along the way.

reflection questions

• Why is our relationship / journey with God regarded as a race in this scripture and what type of race do you think it is?

• What has been hindering you / what sin has been holding you back lately? What has been stopping you from effectively running the race?

• What was the joy that was set before Jesus which helped Him endure the cross? And what is the joy set before us that we can look forward to?

• How can we fix our eyes on Jesus?

• How does considering the persecution that Jesus faced help us to not grow weary?