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Listen while you read: "At The Cross"1 (Lyrics) |
Hebrews 12:2 – Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (NIV)
I recently received a copy of a picture taken by a photographer when I was presented with my Developmental Service Worker diploma. I placed the picture on the mantel of the fireplace until I got a frame. From where I usually sit, I can see this picture clearly. Something I noticed about this picture got me thinking. In the picture are three people: in the middle is the person presenting the diploma; I am on the left holding the diploma; and on the right is another person. We are all looking at the camera, but the ones on the right and left are both tilting our heads slightly in the direction of the person in the middle. This got me thinking, why did we both do this?
I think I have a few answers to this question that can apply to our spiritual walk.
As we look toward the camera, we are seeing a small lens, and we want to make sure that we fit in. Therefore, we feel that if we tilt our heads inwards, we are sure to be in the picture.
We see our life and our walk through a small lens. God sees our life from all the angles and from a very wide lens.
We really had no need to tilt our head inwards, as the person with the camera would have told us if we were not going to be in the picture.
If we look towards Jesus, He will guide us and give us direction. Only when we look away or tilt our head from Him do we run into difficulty.
How amazing it is that we can align and focus ourselves with the One Who has everything in place, in alignment, and in focus for us all the time. Yes, we may stray, and we may lose focus, but Jesus always has His sight set on us.
Revelation 1:7 – Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and all the peoples of the earth will mourn because of him. So shall it be! Amen. (NIV)
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for the spiritual lessons that You show us, that help us to realign with You. Thank You that You also have Your eyes in focus on our family and friends who do not know You yet. Continue to give us a boldness to share Your name and saving grace with a lost world. We await the day when we can stand before You and everything will come into a clear focus for us forever. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
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Good perspective Julie.
Good morning
This was very good and spoke to me.
Great devotional Julie, Thank you.
May your week ahead be a good one, full of inspiration for more devotionals.
Dear Julie,
Thank you for reminding us to keep our focus on our precious Savior today.
God bless you richly.
Dear Julie,
Your first verse,
Hebrews 12:2 – Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (NIV)
set me on a train of thought very much aside from the devotional:
The little book, HEAVEN IS FOR REAL by Todd Burpo, (publ. Thomas Nelson, 2010), is the true story of the author’s little son, Colton, who was extremely ill during surgery for a burst appendix and experienced being in heaven. Colton reported, “Jesus really likes children,” and spoke of having sat on Jesus’ knee there. Hebrews 12:2 says that Jesus, “for the joy set before him, endured the cross ….”
I wonder if some of the joy set before Jesus was about all those who would be in heaven to enjoy eternal life with him because they would have faith in Himself who would endure the cross.
Keep writing.
Dear Julie,
I particularly am with you in the prayer:
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for the spiritual lessons that You show us, that help us to realign with You. Thank You that You also have Your eyes in focus on our family and friends who do not know You yet. Continue to give us a boldness to share Your name and saving grace with a lost world. We await the day when we can stand before You and everything will come into a clear focus for us forever. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Let’s pray for one-another’s loved ones and friends and for each other as we encounter many who need to know the love of God and have assurance of his grace. Amen.
Keep writing.