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.
