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| Volume 21 Number 9 September 2019 | Page 12 |
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| Volume 21 Number 9 September 2019 | Page 12 |
Cliff Holmes
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1-2)
Jesus Christ is our Hero, our Defender, our Guide and, most of all, our Savior. In looking to Jesus, as we are told by the writer of Hebrews, what can we expect to find in Him? Seven very vital things are found when we look to our Lord Jesus.
Look to Jesus for Life: In John 14:6, Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” We must be one with Jesus. There is no other way but in unity with our Lord Jesus to live life on Earth and truly anticipate everlasting life in Heaven.
Look to Jesus for Aid: Hebrews 2:18 reads, “For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” Psalm 46:1 says, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” There is no other source of real help for us except Jesus the Son and God His Father.
Look to Jesus for Love: 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 reads, “For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.” Jesus loved us when we were not worthy of His love, and we were also unworthy of the love for us that sent Him to the cruel cross of Calvary.
Look to Jesus for Peace: John 14:2 says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” Acts 10:36 adds, “As for the word that he sent to Israel, preaching good news of peace through Jesus Christ. He is Lord of all.” Not only did Jesus give gracious peace to those who followed Him during His ministry, but He secured the good news of peace for all generations right down to the present time. His peace is always at hand for us.
Look to Jesus for Guidance: John 12:48-49 records, “The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day. For I have not spoken on my own authority, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment—what to say and what to speak.” What better word of guidance could man ever conceive. That guidance comes from none other than Jesus whom Peter proclaimed as having the “words of eternal life.”
Look to Jesus for Strength: Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” No matter what the task, no matter what adversity may come upon us, we have a superhuman strength to face it if we depend on the strength of Jesus.
Look to Jesus for Freedom: John 8:31-32 reads, “So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, ‘If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’”
In our travel through this life, if we constantly and consistently look to Jesus, we will indeed find the seven blessings of life, aid, love, peace, strength and freedom. These are ours as a gift from the One Who secured for us eternal life in Heaven with God.
Dean Kelly
On March 30, 1981, when President Ronald Reagan was shot and Vice-President Bush was out of communication, Secretary of State Alexander Haig repeatedly insisted that he was in charge of the Federal Government. He was wrong. This lack of understanding of who was in charge may have seriously ended Haig’s career, and certainly it ended hopes he had of running for President.
We have to know who is actually in charge to please God. If we get that wrong, it won’t just cost us a career, it will cost us eternity. I have said, over the years, that I believe the idea expressed by some bumper stickers is totally incorrect: “God is My Copilot.” The fact is that God must be the Pilot, and I must be the copilot of my life. I believe that this is the problem for many who profess faith in God. They have the order mixed up. While this statement implies an involvement by God, it fails to recognize the preeminence of God in one’s actions. I need to make sure that God is in charge.
Another saying I have talked about is “God Said It, I Believe It, That Settles It.” I would correct that to say, “God Said it, That Settles It, I must believe it.” The point here is the authority of God. God’s Word is “settled” (Psalms 119:89). It is true regardless of whether I believe it or not. I must submit to His will, which is truth (John 17:17). The prophet clearly stated the need for God to be in charge. Jeremiah 10:23 reads, “O Lord, I know the way of man is not in himself; It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps.” Solomon repeated the same phrase in Proverbs 14:12 and Proverbs 16:25, which says, “There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.” We need God.
Who is in charge in your life, in your home, in the local congregation, etc.? It is up to us to put God in charge and to follow His will in every phase of our lives. We must be His obedient, faithful servants, praying for wisdom (James 1:5) and humility to submit to the mighty hand of God (1 Peter 5:6).