Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus

Today at church we spent some time on the subject of faith.  Most will immediately start thinking of Hebrews 11.  You will recognize that Bible chapter as the one that not only defines faith but also gives numerous examples of faith at work in the lives of numerous Bible characters.

Reaching all the way back to Genesis we are told by the Hebrew writer that it was by faith Able offered the more acceptable sacrifice to God. Even before that first example of Able, we are told in Hebrews 11:3, "By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible."

Now notice from the list all the Biblical characters which are mentioned in this one chapter, and the fact they are remembered today because of their faith. The list includes Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, and others. That isn't the complete list because several verses later, Hebrews 11 starts again listing what has been called the "roll call of the faithful."

Want some more names?  Here are some others: Isaac, Jacob, and Esau are mentioned. Then there are others like Joseph, then Moses, and even those who crossed the Red Sea on dry ground.  I feel the need to mention also those who were involved in the Bible story of the walls of Jericho. There are more but I am going to direct you to Hebrews 11 to read the chapter and discover all the others whose lives were remembered because of their faith.  Moving into Hebrews chapter 12, after learning of all those whose faith was their motivating factor, it is no wonder they are also called the "great cloud of witnesses."

Read those verses closely and you will find information that will be spiritually beneficial. "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 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."

It's time we got rid of those hindrances and the sin that ensnares us, and fix our eyes on Jesus.  Only he is the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.

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