Fixed Focus

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. (Hebrews 12:1-3 ESV). I have often preached from the passage in our reading today. While the principle focus of these messages are to run the race set before us without “meandering,” I also like to think about how easy it is to become discouraged in life in the face of difficulty. The answer to that problem, while complex, is short. When you start to get discouraged or overwhelmed in life, we are to think about Jesus. The writer of Hebrews reminds us to keep our eyes on Jesus when life throws things at us that we can’t understand. In the fast paced world in which we live, it is easy to grow weary. I often wonder on Sunday night where my weekend went. Then, before it seems Monday is over, we are beginning another weekend. Life is just passing by so quickly. There are so many things I wish I could be doing, but where does the time go? In the midst of all the “stuff” of life, I often feel I am actually accomplishing nothing. I wonder if Jesus ever felt that way? I think of the times His disciples let Him down; when they just didn’t “get it”. I think about times when He was surrounded by thousands of people, all wanting His attention, and the Jewish leaders and the Roman officials were closely scrutinizing him. I’m sure, in His humanity, there often did not seem to be “enough hours in a day”. I wonder if He got discouraged? Then, I realize that Jesus knew His goal. He knew why He was here and He knew that one day His Father would make known to Him the timing. He wasn’t focused on time He was focused on eternity. He wasn’t focused on the process, but on the overall program. He was focused on the Father, and on doing the Father’s will, not on the problems at hand. Jesus didn’t escape the work. He worked very hard, but He had a proper focus. Are the pressures of life overwhelming you? Step back, take your eyes off the situation, and look towards the prize. Stay focused on Heaven and your Redeemer. Keep your eyes on Jesus!