Fix Our Eyes

Date: February 14, 2023

I use the BLESS method every morning for my devotional. 

B - Bible Verse
L - Listen for God's Word and pray
E - Explore the History and meaning
S - Study and savor
S - Summarize and Share

You can read more about it by going to: What is a Faith Journal?

Bible Scripture Verse – 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."

Listen for God’s Voice

Heavenly Father, I come before you today with a heart that desires to know you more deeply. I recognize that Jesus is the pioneer and perfecter of faith, and that he endured the cross for the joy that was set before him. I pray that you would help me to fix my eyes on Jesus in the same way, to see him as my example and to trust him more fully.

I ask that you would help me to understand the depth of his sacrifice and the power of his resurrection, so that I may live my life in a way that brings you glory. May I follow Jesus with all my heart, and may the joy of the Lord be my strength as I walk in faith.

Thank you for your love and grace, Lord. I pray all these things in Jesus' name, Amen.

Explore History – Who wrote it, when and to what audience? Key people in the story?

The author of Hebrews has been debated for centuries. Some scholars believe it to be Barnabas or Apollos, or someone else who was part of the early Christian community. It was most likely written in the late first century between 70-90 AD.  It also is unknown who it was actually written to. It could have been a specific Jewish Christian community who were facing persecution and were struggling with their faith. Or it also could have been written to the Jewish and Gentile Christians encouraging them to be faithful to Jesus. 

The main point of the scripture was to encourage the readers to fix their eyes on Jesus as the pioneer and perfector of their faith and that they should endure the suffering with the same determination that Jesus did.  A large part of Hebrews compares the challenges that the early Christians faced to the trials and hardships that the people of Israel faced in the Old Testament. 

Study and Savor – Key Words

"Fixing our eyes on Jesus" - This phrase emphasizes the importance of focusing on Jesus as the source of our faith and the example we should follow. By keeping our attention on Jesus, we can be strengthened and encouraged to continue in our faith, even in the face of trials and difficulties.

"Pioneer and perfecter of faith" - This phrase highlights Jesus' role as the one who established and perfected the faith that we follow as Christians. Jesus not only set the example for us to follow, but also made it possible for us to have faith and salvation through his life, death, and resurrection.

"For the joy set before him" - This phrase refers to the motivation behind Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. Despite the pain and shame he endured, Jesus was willing to go through it all because of the joy that was set before him - the salvation and redemption of humanity.

"Endured the cross, scorning its shame" - This phrase describes the depth of Jesus' sacrifice and the humility he demonstrated in taking on the shame and punishment of the cross. It also emphasizes the importance of endurance and perseverance in the face of suffering.

"Sat down at the right hand of the throne of God" - This phrase refers to Jesus' exaltation and glorification after his death and resurrection. It shows that Jesus is now in a position of honor and authority, and that his sacrifice was ultimately successful in achieving its purpose.

Overall, the key words and phrases in Hebrews 12:2 emphasize the importance of following Jesus as the source of our faith, the significance of his sacrifice on the cross, and the need for endurance and perseverance in the face of suffering.

Summarize and Share

In our busy and often challenging lives, it's so easy to get distracted or discouraged, but by fixing our eyes on Jesus and following his example, we can find the strength and courage to keep going.

We need to take the time each day to reflect on Jesus and what he means to us by praying, reading the Bible, or meditating on his teachings and sacrifice through our journaling, and ask God to help us stay focused on him in all that we do. Seeking out other Christians who can encourage and support us in our faith, and who can remind us of the hope and joy that comes from following Jesus is also the perfect way to stay connected to Him.

As we grow older, so many of us face various challenges like health issues, financial worries, and family responsibilities. But by fixing our eyes on Jesus, we can find the hope and strength to persevere through these difficulties.

I’ve read the prayer requests of several of you who are going through a difficult time in your marriage. You may feel discouraged and overwhelmed, and may wonder if you even have the strength to keep going. But by reflecting on Hebrews 12:2 and focusing on Jesus, we can be reminded of his example of enduring the cross and scorning its shame. We can find the courage to persevere through any marital struggles and seek God's guidance and wisdom in finding a resolution.

Some of us are dealing with health issues and this scripture can also help us as well. By fixing our eyes on Jesus, we can remember his sacrifice on the cross and be reminded of the joy that was set before him. We can find the strength to endure through our physical challenges and trust that God has a plan and purpose for our lives.

Today’s message is appropriate for women of all ages, so I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on Jesus and what He means to you. Ask God to help you fix your eyes on Him and to persevere in your faith, no matter what challenges come your way. May God bless you as you seek to follow Him.

Bible Cross Reference

Philippians 3:14 - "I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." This verse encourages us to keep striving towards our goal, just as Jesus persevered towards his ultimate goal of the cross.

Colossians 3:1-2 - "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth." This passage also emphasizes the importance of focusing on Christ and setting our minds on heavenly things.

1 Peter 2:21 - "For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps." This verse reinforces the idea that Jesus is our ultimate example of perseverance and that we are called to follow in his steps.

James 1:12 - "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him." This passage reminds us that when we persevere through trials and challenges, we are blessed and will receive the ultimate reward of eternal life.