Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, and fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the same, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2 (NASB)
I want us to zoom in on the words “fixing our eyes on Jesus”.
…looking with undivided attention… Hebrews 12:2 (Analysed Literal)
…looking away (from all that will distract) to Jesus… Hebrews 12:2 (AMP)
The Greek word is apharao which is made up of apo (‘away from something near’) and horao (‘look, see, behold’). It is good to glance at the cloud of witnesses and be encouraged by their faithful finish, but it is essential that we firmly fix our gaze on our Saviour Jesus.
John Phillips writes that believers should especially look at:
- His person – He is the author and perfecter of faith;
- His passion – who for the joy set before Him endured the cross;
- His position – has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
I remember hearing of a farmer who was teaching his son to plough with a mule.
“To make straight furrows, son, just pick out an object beyond the field and keep your eyes fixed on it.”
The boy nodded to affirm his understanding and the farmer left.
When he came back an hour later, the farmer was shocked to see a field of twisted furrows. “What happened, son? I thought I told you to keep your eye on an object beyond the field.”
“I did, Dad,” the boy replied, pointing to the ‘standard’ he had chosen – a cow in the adjoining pasture!
That humorous story holds a serious lesson for us. Whether we are ploughing a field or running our race, it’s critical that we keep our eyes on the right target. Let’s fix our eyes on Jesus afresh.