DaySpring Daily Word of Inspiration: Hebrews 12:2 – fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Sometimes we get our sights set on things that don’t bring about true joy and happiness in our lives. We chase after wealth, prestige, fame and the like only to still feel empty or unfulfilled inside. How is it that as we appear to amass much “stuff”, yet we’re still unsatisfied? We push ourselves so hard to gain, and then end up with regrets and disappointments. Today we’ll look at what give us an undeniable and fulfilling life when we recognize who Jesus is.
It’s easy to say that you’re a Christian but the responsibility of lifestyle is where we sometimes get flustered. People expect perfection from us however; they don’t expect it of themselves? So what makes me so different than the next person? I’m human, bound to make mistakes like everyone else so why can’t I be a work in progress like everyone else? Unfortunately, the bible speaks about price of becoming a follower of Jesus and its challenges. This is what makes you so different. The most common misconception about being a Christian is that you’re supposed to be perfect! If you’re a Christian or any studier of truth, you know this to be impossible (Rom. 3:10). The point that is important is if you’re blameless before mankind. This is why today’s passage is so wonderful.
We, on our own accord would do and act however we wanted to in this life (as some of us used to do or still do currently) without restraint. You will never be able to truly be sinless but when you fix your eyes on Jesus you can become blameless. This isn’t a new teaching either. The Word of God expresses how our lives look before men as we take up the calling of being a disciple of Christ. Although we fall, others shouldn’t be able to readily point out your sin as something blatant or inconsistent with the lifestyle of your Christian calling. Conviction and reverence for God’s word makes your life appear sinless (which it isn’t), but in actuality, it’s only blameless. You can’t be faulted by others for outwardly sinning and being a hindrance of them seeing the cross of Christ; the power of Jesus’ death on the cross working in your life.
The scripture points to a “joy” being set before Christ as he endured the cross. Really? The bible is clear that Jesus prayed for God to take the cup of death away from him. So is this a contradiction?? ABSOLUTELY NOT!!!!!!! There was a
“joy” in taking on the shame of the cross in Jesus’ eyes. Three things stand out in that regard: 1) Jesus knew that his obedience would be seen by his followers (even in the hard times) and it would encourage them to persevere. 2) Jesus knew that because of his teachings and sacrifice, those who would follow him would live in the same way, continually being perfected by his words and teachings so that 3) they would be able to be in heaven with him as he sat at the right hand of God. Oh trust, there was sooo much for Jesus to have joy about and because he knew that SOME would make that choice to love and put their faith in him, he had a reason to be happy.
Today we want to know what are your eyes fixed on? Jesus had the foreknowledge of what was to come and he lived his life to be in the will of God; to fulfill his purpose. What about you? Jesus’ example should be our focus as we fix our eyes on him for our lives to be perfected by his word, our hearts to be obedient to his teachings and our joy to be made complete by seeing him in heaven. We pray that you’re inspired to be with Christ forever! Fix your eyes on him now, so you can see how clearly he will perfect you in the end. In Jesus’ name, AMEN!