Focus on Jesus
In this final segment, we look at the most crucial element of the race, our focus. We will discuss the importance of “fixing our eyes on Jesus (NASB),” the author and finisher of our faith, and how His victory fuels our own. We must look unto Jesus.
Christ is the ultimate inspiring example. As we run the “race of faith,” our focus must be upon the Lord. We might “glance” at others like the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11, but we are to gaze upon the Lord.
Aphoreo
In the ancient Greek, looking unto Jesus uses the verb aphoreo. It’s a fuller word than is found in English. It implies a definite looking away from distractions and a present looking unto Jesus. When one goes for a run, there are many things that can distract and cause one to quit running: sore knees, heavy legs, burning lungs, cramps, bad weather. So too, in the race of faith, we can be easily distracted. We live in a time of unprecedented distraction and worldly temptation.
Paul gave the Colossians this reminder:
f then, you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. Colossians 3:1
The hymn writer wrote,
“Fill all my visions, Saviour, I pray. Let me only see Jesus today.”
Hebrews 12:2 tells us that
“Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith. That is the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.”
We are reminded in Revelation 1:8 that
“He is the beginning and the end, the first and the last, the Alpha and Omega.”
A Life of Faith
Jesus has provided the only perfect example of the life of faith. In our own race, the Lord is with us at the starting line. He runs alongside us all the way of the race He sets before us, picking us up as we stumble, taking us right across the finish line. He has blazed the trail for us.
Consider his racecourse. From heaven to Bethlehem, Bethlehem to Jerusalem, to Gethsemane and Golgotha, to the tomb and back to heaven. Not once did he falter or stumble in the race he ran. His eyes were fixed on the joy that was set before him, fixed on the coming glory when all the redeemed would be gathered to him eternally. With the anticipation of such joy, Jesus endured the cross and all its physical torture. With the anticipation of such joy, He despised the shame and all of its emotional and spiritual agony. Today, He is seated in exultation at the right hand of the throne of God. So just as Jesus looked to the joy set before Him, so we must look unto Jesus.
What Are you Focused On?
Where are you looking? What are you focused upon as you run the race of faith?
Finally, we must consider how Christ endured, not only on the cross, but throughout His entire sojourn here on earth. Hebrews 12:3 encourages us to
…consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. Hebrews 12:3
Meditating upon the Lord and what He suffered for our salvation, holding our own trials up against what He suffered, will prevent us from becoming wearied and discouraged in our own souls.
Requirements of Running the Race
Running the race of faith requires us to lay aside every weight, to endure, and to look upon Jesus. We must consider the Lord Jesus and His example, and as we do, we are buoyed up and strengthened to run the race of faith, swift and sure.
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings as eagles. They shall run and not be weary, and they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31
As we conclude, remember that the race is won not by our own power, but by waiting on the Lord.
May you run with renewed strength, eyes fixed on Jesus, until you cross the finish line.
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