Focusing on Jesus

Call to Prayer

Title: Focusing on Jesus

By: Simon Maina Nuhu

Date: 01.12.2023

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,² 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 is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1-2)

Our opening verse suggests that though we are faced with many challenging circumstances, nevertheless, we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses who have gone ahead of us, this cloud of witnesses are actually saints and fathers of Faith who in their days in the flesh have conquered what we are passing through, thus are great examples set for us to follow. However, in order for us to run the race well, there are things we need to get rid of. The weight or load that seems to be bearable which comes in form of little foxes, and the leaven (1 Corinthians 5:7-8). It is an individual weight that is resident in us, it may not be sometimes obviously spotted out but could grow to amass danger to our walk with God, the weight may be spiritual carelessness, unconscious selfishness, little pride/boasting in self, disobedience to the voice of God etc.

There is therefore the pertinent need to examine ourselves sincerely before the Lord (2 Corinthians 13:5). Another factor to consider in the opening verse is sin. Sin always brings setback to the elects, it creates guilt and condemnation, it gives our accuser a strong case against us. As believers, we are to understand that we can only overcome sin through the help of grace provided by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. More so, it is necessary to fulfill our responsibility by abiding in Him (John 15:1-4). Sinning willfully or intentionally could affect our spiritual life badly, we must avoid the urge to stray away from the immunity of grace in our life (Hebrews 10:26-31).

Finally beloved, it is absolutely crucial that we focus on Jesus Christ, the author of our Faith. Studying the word with intentional effort to apply it to our daily life gives us more revelation of Him. We should not read the scripture for the sake of debate or head knowledge but rather to apply to our spiritual profiting. Looking at the life of Christ while He was on Earth, there are so many lessons to learn. His humility (for example to be taught even by Pharisees in the temple even as the Son of God), His words of authority, His wisdom, His compassion, His love, His submission to the will of the Father at all times, His prayer life, His love for humanity, His meekness, His patience, His spiritual foresight. These and many more of His divine nature are given to us, but we have to humble ourselves by acknowledging Him to be indeed the author  and finisher of our Faith life(Hebrews 12:2). Focusing on Jesus Christ saves us from many avoidable troubles of life.

Prayer point

Let´s thank God for the word and also ask Him to help us focus on Him always.