Bible Reading: Hebrews 12:1-3
Since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author 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. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
A Thought
The first of our sunflowers have just come into bloom; a bright yellow flower aptly named because they look like a child’s drawing of the sun. But are they called sunflowers because they look like the sun or because they turn towards the sun?
As the day progresses, from dawn until dusk, sunflowers turn their heads through 180 degrees to face the sun at all times. We learnt some years ago to be careful where we planted sunflowers. Don’t plant them at the southern end of your garden otherwise they will always be facing away from you and you won't see them in their full glory.
By turning towards the sun, sunflowers derive more energy to produce nectar and attract more pollenating insects by their brightness. I think there is a message here for us as Christians.
As we go through our day, from dawn until dusk, let us do as the sunflowers do, and as the writer of the book of Hebrews puts it, let us ‘fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith’. He is, after all, the light of the world, and he is the source of our strength when times are difficult, and we grow weary and lose heart.
In fixing our eyes on Jesus we will also reflect his glory in this world and be more attractive to those around us as we seek to share our faith with them, that they might also ‘fix their eyes on Jesus’.
A Prayer
Lord Jesus, light of the world, help me to keep my eyes fixed on you throughout my day, that I may know your strength and reflect your glory. Amen.
I take great comfort from the words “ consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart”.
There are so many attacks on the Christian faith from all directions that it is easy to lose heart and feel despondent. A timely reminder that Jesus encountered far worse opposition and to be encouraged by keeping eyes on him. I often look too much at the world and all that is going on and grow despondent. These are comforting words and also a timely instruction to focus less on political/socio-cultural battles and more on God’s words.