Why We Should Keep Our Eyes on Jesus
Posted: Sunday, September 18, 2011
by Joel Kontinen
http://joelkontinen.blogspot.com/
The author of the Letter to the Hebrews exhorts us: ”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.” (Heb. 12:1-2)
Not knowing it was Jesus, they were very frightened. On hearing His voice, Peter, however, was willing to follow His Master, walking on the stormy waters. As long as he kept his eyes on Jesus, he managed to control his fear. “But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, ‘Lord, save me!’ ” (Matt. 14:30).
While Peter’s ordeal was a real historical event, I believe that we can learn an important lesson from it. As long as we keep our eyes on Jesus instead of on our troubles, we can keep our fear under control. However, when we begin to look at our circumstances, doubt often overwhelms us.
God has not promised us a problem-free life. Jesus predicted that His followers would suffer from many kinds of afflictions but He also promised to help them in the midst of adverse circumstances: “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33).
So, when we face trials and hard times, the best we can do is to keep our eyes on Jesus. The Letter to the Hebrews emphasises that Jesus understands what it is to be a human being in a fallen world. “For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.” (Heb. 2:18).
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)Always best to keep our eyes fixed on Him from whence our help comes rather than the sometimes overwhelming circumstances... the waves aren't going to help us and Jesus definitely will!Thanks Marijo. Blessings to you.
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