“…fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2

“Fixing our eyes on Jesus” means we need to focus consistently on Christ instead of our own circumstances. “Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith” is a recognition that Jesus opened the way to salvation, and His new covenant will never be superseded. He creates our faith through the Gospel and Sacraments, and His Spirit brings us to the consummation of our salvation. Christ has done everything necessary for us to endure in our faith. He is our example and model, for He focused on the “joy set before Him”. His attention was not on the agonies of the Cross, but on the crown, not on the suffering, but the reward. The joy set before Jesus was God’s plan to bring others to heavenly glory by way of the cross. Note that Christ was not afraid to redeem us, despite the humiliation He experienced.

The Christian life is an endurance race, run with remembrance of the saints who have already finished. But most of all, we look to Jesus and His cross. In Him, our race is already won.

Blessings on your day…

Crown of Life Lutheran Church | 3856 E 300 N, Rigby, ID 83442 | (208) 745-2616

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