Looking!

Looking!

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 KJV

If I am asked to look unto Jesus, it means that there are several other options. The world at the moment seems to have lost its bearings. Governments all over the world do not seem to know what to do. Men are looking to other men like themselves to get them out of trouble, but if there is anything God's Word makes clear, it is that man-made devices will fail eveytime, no matter the consistency or the skill with which they are applied. 

Why do I need to get the look right? Because WHO I see defines how far I go and where I end up. You see, the One I am called to look unto has defined the standard: He left his glory in heaven to die for my sins; He rose again to seal redemption for me. He knew the eternal benefits of His sacrifice, and He endured the shame and pain it brought Him. That is the example on offer today, and it is one I will do well to critically examine and respond accordingly. 

And looking is intently keeping my gaze on Him, to the exclusion of anyone or anything else. He is called the author and finisher of our faith. If what I hold on to does not find inspiration and sustenance in Jesus, I had better check again what I hold on to. If He is not the One at the end of it all; the One on whom all my hope is based and who I look forward to seeing when this earthly journey is done, then I had better check again. 

And just as Jesus did, I keep the joy of eternity before me, so that whatever happens around me does not affect the equilibrium inside me. If I am certain of the end, the now will not bother me so much. Maybe the reason why I fret so much is because I have not yet sorted out my eternal dwelling. Maybe I am still focused on what this world can offer me. Unfortunately, this world has got no use for eternity. All that belongs to the world will stay with the world. 

The One who promises is at the right hand of the throne of God: the place of authority. He commands the earth to respond to His subjects. He reigns and rules; He has won the battle, and He is able to lead all who trust Him into this same victory. I ask again: Who do you see? His time of favour is here.