At first glance (pun
intended), the phrase “fixing our eyes” may seem strange. It is not a common
phrase but it is a good translation from the Greek. It captures the intended
thought well. Some other translations say, “looking to” or “unto.” I don’t
believe that does the text complete justice.
It is one thing to look at something;
it is another thing to continue looking at it. That is the thought that is
presented here. Another word you might use, would be “staring.” Strong’s Greek
concordance says that it means to “consider attentively.” “Why,” you might ask,
“is it so important to dissect this word so closely?” Read on to find out.
In verse one of this chapter,
we are given a directive. It is to, “throw off everything that hinders and the
sin that so easily entangles, and run with perseverance the race marked out for
us.” This can certainly be difficult for us. Think of how many things in our
life easily distract us from following the Lord with all of our hearts.
The author puts these things
into two categories:
1. Things
that hinder – This does not necessarily mean that they are sinful things. They
are just things in life, that if we allow them to, can really distract us from
our “race.” Things that we put above our devotion to Christ.
2. Sin that
entangles – These are areas of our life where we “miss the mark.” We actually
do things that are against God’s laws and commands, even though we do not
intentionally want to disobey.
The point is, that if we are
to run our Christian race as if to win (1 Cor 9:24), we need to “put aside” the
things that are keeping us from going “full speed ahead.” We are told to do
this with perseverance (also translated endurance), meaning to endure trials
and persecution and yet continue on.
This seems like a very
difficult directive, but the author encourages us with a helpful exhortation. Keep your eyes “focused” on Jesus. He
is the author of our faith. Think of
what that means. You could say that He is the one who is writing our story.
Literally the word means to be “first in rank or power.” He began your story.
It also tells us in verse 2,
that He is the perfecter of our faith. This means that He is the “completer” or
“consummator.” He will complete the
story He began. Php 1:6 explains it this way, … “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until
the day of Christ Jesus.” So, we keep our eyes fixed on Him because He has
promised to see us through to the very end of our race.
And we can have confidence
that He is able to do that. The reason we can have such confidence is, that according
to verse 2, He has already endured. He endured the suffering and shame of the
cross! Verse 3 tells us to “Consider him
who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary
and lose heart.” Jesus, who was able
to endure so much, in order to give sinful man the opportunity to come into
relationship with God, can certainly bring us through whatever trials we may
have. So, as we keep our eyes fixed on Him, we are encouraged to go on as well,
knowing that He will provide all we need to continue running our marathon.
I want to encourage you to
take a look at your own life and see what things may be hindering you in running
your “race.” Are there obstacles in your way? Is there any sin in your life
which has you entangled? It is hard to run a race if you are tied up. If so, it
is time to throw it off, cast it aside. Then, when hardships come your way, “fix your eyes upon Jesus,” and be
encouraged to continue in perseverance, the race set before you. It is a life
that Jesus has called you personally to live and He will see you through to the
very completion of it!
God bless you
Coach
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