Fixing Our Eyes On Jesus

"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,  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 has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
Hebrews 12:1-2 (NKJV)

Behold the crowd who has gone before us.  Men and women just like you and I such as Joseph, Abraham, Moses, Samson, and Sarah.  These were regular people who trusted God.  They are just some of those mentioned Hebrews chapter 11.
The writer of Hebrews points to their lives as encouragement to us to run the race of faith with endurance.  But he gives us a sober warning that there are things that can hinder us from being the best we can be for the Lord.  He calls it “the sin which so easily ensnares us”.  Isn’t that true?  It trips us up so easily and can take us off God’s path in just a moment. 
Hebrews encourages us to fix our eyes on Jesus.  He is the power, strength, and motivation we need for everything.  Have you spent time with Jesus lately?  Or have you let the business of the world creep in?  He wants to lift your head up and keep your mind focused on God.  All we have to do is look to Him.
Don’t forget that Jesus loves you.  Don’t forget what He did for you.  He endured painful scourging, mocking, beatings, and an agonizing death upon the cross…because He loves you.  Why?  Because of the joy that was before Him.  Not only did He sit at the right hand of God the Father, given all authority, but lead the way for an eternal relationship with you.
He has gone to prepare a place for us.  In the meantime, let’s run with endurance the race He has set before us.  All the while keeping our eyes on Jesus.

Anchored in Christ,
Aaron R. Force