“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 12:2
In our faith journey, we strive to keep Jesus in our view. As we run the Christian race, our goal is to run towards Jesus, keeping our eyes on the prize as the apostle Paul mentioned. “Looking unto Jesus means life, light, guidance, encouragement, joy: never cease to look on him whoever looks on you.” (Spurgeon).
Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1). Many times in our Christian journey, we will not know what lies ahead. It will take faith in God, trusting that He will bring us through the uncertainties. “His Word shall not fail you – He promised; Believe Him, and all will be well;” tells us that all we have to do is believe in Him. God will never go back on His promises, for He is always faithful and true. This is the assurance we have in God and in His Son, the Lord Jesus.
On the day of Jesus’ death, he endured the antagonizing pain of the cross by considering and fulfilling God’s plan: the glorious salvation mankind will receive as a result. This was the joy that was set before Him, which motivated Him to complete His mission. Through His death, He hoped that mankind would become the redeemed children of God, to the praise and glory of the Father.
Jesus was despised and took on the sufferings of the cross. He was accused, mocked, beaten, wore a shameful crown, robe and suffered the most excruciating death. Would we do so for God’s glory? In our Christian life, there will come a time where we need to suffer for Christ’s sake. Spurgeon spoke boldly to Christians who could not bear the shame that comes from the world for following Jesus. Are we ashamed of Christ?
To us, Jesus promises help when we turn to Him. The hymn ‘Turn your eyes upon Jesus’ illustrates this: “Oh soul are you weary and troubled? No light in the darkness you see?” points out the situations where we need Jesus most. “There’s light for a look at the Saviour, and life more abundant and free!” tells us the secret to a wonderful Christian life: to fix our gaze on our Saviour. He will surely bless and extend His mercies and lovingkindness to His children. For He has already overcome sin and the world, in Him will we become more than conquerors (Romans 8: 37). We have a risen Saviour who is exalted to a place of honour and glory at the right hand of the throne of God. If we follow Jesus, one day we will be glorified too, when we see Christ.
Application
Turn your eyes upon Jesus, especially in times of difficulty and suffering.