Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2
Previously, we learned that our salvation and victory depend entirely on our willingness to look to Jesus and live. Before we proceed, let me hasten to add that there are so many things vying for our attention these days. But we must resist the temptation to look to anyone or anything else other than the Lord Jesus.
Moving on, today we consider the question: What does it practically mean for us as believers to look to Jesus? Obviously, Jesus is not physically around somewhere on this planet for us to go and literally behold His face. Neither is this about gazing on some so-called images of Christ drawn from some artists’ imagination. Instead, what is called for here concerns our hearts and minds rather than our fleshly eyes. The Word of God reveals several ways by which we can look to Jesus. Today we have time to only consider one such way.
It’s this: MAKE JESUS YOUR ROLE MODEL. That means to make Him your supreme example. Our text teaches that we should emulate the way Jesus overcame earthly hurdles in order to accomplish His eternal mission. He did not permit the pleasures of this world to divert Him from His divine agenda. Neither did He allow the adversities of life, the hostility of the religious establishment or the shame, rejection and excruciating pain of Calvary to derail His purpose.
My dear friend, why do you allow life’s challenges to dull your zeal for the Lord? Why do you permit the pleasures of this world to sidetrack you from your destiny? That ought not be so! No temptation, trial or tribulation should hinder you from living for God. Let no fun, fame or fortune ruin your mission. Let no ability, ambition or achievement dilute your focus on Christ.
Please observe well that the Bible says Jesus was inspired by the JOY set before Him to persevere in His mission. As He went about His mission on earth, Jesus’ focus was on the vision rather than the problem. As a result, any intervening challenges became inconsequential. The same applies to you and I. Let no present gratification steal your future rewards. Let your God-given vision fuel the quality and intensity of your ministry.
To reiterate, looking unto Jesus requires that you make Him your only role model. It calls for intentionally emulating Jesus. In every situation, ask yourself, “What would Jesus do?” In everything you do, let Jesus be your supreme example.
Act like Jesus. Believe like Jesus. Care like Jesus. Celebrate like Jesus. Forgive like Jesus. Give like Jesus. Heal like Jesus. Humble yourself like Jesus. Minister like Jesus. Lead like Jesus. Live like Jesus. Love like Jesus. Pray like Jesus. Read like Jesus. Relate like Jesus. Respond like Jesus. Rest like Jesus. Serve like Jesus. Submit like Jesus. Talk like Jesus. Teach like Jesus. Think like Jesus. Work like Jesus. Worship like Jesus. Look to Jesus now and live!
Pastor Josh