KEEP YOUR EYES ON JESUS

LIVING WORD DEVOTIONAL By Pastor Mensa Otabil

Tuesday 11th March 2025

KEEP YOUR EYES ON JESUS

Scripture Reading: Hebrews 12:1-29

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 12:2

In the Roman races, the starting place for the runners was the entrance of the stadium. At the opposite end of the stadium was the goal, where the judge sat and held the prize. Throughout the race, the eyes of the competitors remained fixed on the judge because it was he who determined who had won the prize in his hand.

We fix our eyes on Jesus.

Just as the athletes fixed their eyes on the judge, believers must fix their eyes on the Lord. He is our Judge, the One who stands at the end of the Christian race with His prize in His hands. For us to run our course well, we need to start and constantly maintain our focus on Him and His rich reward.

Christ is the author and finisher of our faith.

The author of the race is the one who starts it and the finisher is the judge. Whereas in the Roman races, different individuals played this role, for the Christian, Jesus is both the author and finisher of our race, which is our faith. The life of the Christian is Christ-centred.

Jesus endured the cross.

Jesus was able to endure the pain of bearing the cross because of the joy that was set before Him. He overcame the betrayals and denials because He could see the path it would create for all humanity to have a relationship with God. He despised the shame knowing that it would ultimately bring transformation to many lives.

That’s how Jesus helps us run our race. He has set a glowing example for us to look up to and follow. So in the midst of difficulties and hardship, we know the end will be joyful. The Christian life is not an easy one but it is livable.

He is now seated at the right hand of the Father.

In addition to the joy of seeing many come into fellowship with the Father, a reward awaited Christ. He was greatly honoured for His sacrifice. He is now seated at the Father’s right hand.

Jesus is our example of how to live our Christian lives. Regardless of how painful your current circumstances may be, you will be rewarded if you endure His grace just for a season. In the end, you will see His glory, beauty and power as you continually look to Jesus.

Prayer: _Heavenly Father, I have set Christ as my example. Help me to imitate Him in all that I do. In Jesus’ name, Amen._