Word International Ministries Al Ain

In Focus With God (Hebrews 12:2-13)

by: Sis. Leonor Fernandez

In dentistry, a periapical radiograph records the entire tooth and supporting bone and is used to evaluate the extent of caries and periodontal bone loss and aids in the diagnosis and treatment of root and bony pathoses. It is a valuable diagnostic tool when the image quality is adequate for proper interpretation and this can be obtained if the tooth, the film and x-ray cone beam are properly aligned and focused. On the other hand, if it is out of focus, a blurred and hazy image quality that results in a radiograph which is non-diagnostic and is useless to the dentist.

 Likewise in photography, a   well - focused photograph has both the main subject and the background images distinct and crisp. A mis- focused one is out of focus from the main subject, but some other part of the image is tack sharp. And even if Bokeh Photography (please Google this) is now appreciated in this generation, in the old school a clear and well defined photo is the benchmark, and this can be obtained from the right lens and model focus.

 As believers, our persevering obedience of faith in Christ is the race set before us, wherein we may either win the crown of glory or have everlasting misery for our portion. Our journey is always compared to a race. We are to lay aside everything that hinders us in reaching our goal and devote ourselves to what is beneficial. In this passage the life of faith has been amply attested by witnesses from the Old Testament, hence believers ought to run with perseverance. The supreme model for this continued to be Jesus, however admirable the Old Testament figures might be. He is the author and perfecter of our faith.

 

Reasons Why We Focus On Jesus

1.      Secured in His finished work (v 2)

Heb 12:2 (NIV)

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.

We all are estranged from God but because of Jesus after enduring the cross and scorning its shame, we are reconciled back to the Father. He has done it once, and for all. His joy is to do the will of the Father. He kept His eye on that joy set before Him; the joy alluded in Hebrews 1:9

“You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness;   therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.”

He obtained an eternal throne and assumed triumphant position at the right hand of God. In our lives, let our obedience be not based on fear and blessings, or punishment and rewards but we obey because it is our joy to do it so.

2.      Inspired by His example (v 3-4)

Heb 12:3-4 (NIV)

Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. ⁴ In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.

There will be challenges that come our way and nothing is more natural for a person than to overestimate the severity of his trials. If we look steadfastly on Jesus and on the opposition which He confronted and endured, then we would be encouraged. He also experienced pain and suffering, up to the point of shedding blood. What then are our little trials compared to His agonies?

3.      Trust in His Father’s love (v 5-11)

Heb 12:5-11 (NIV)

And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: “My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, ⁶ because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son." ⁷ Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? ⁸ If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. ⁹ Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! ¹⁰ Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. ¹¹ No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

Proverbs 3:11-12 says  

¹¹ My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline,  and do not resent his rebuke, ¹² because the LORD disciplines those he loves,  as a father the son he delights in.

This presents divine discipline as an evidence of divine love. Discipline is an evidence of sonship. In speaking of those who are not disciplined and are thus illegitimate children, these refer to Christians whose disloyalty to the faith resulted in their loss of inheritance. On the other hand, believers who undergo god’s discipline are being prepared for the educational process for millennial reward.

4.      Further in His given journey (v 12-13)

Heb 12:12-13 (NIV)

Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. ¹³ "Make level paths for your feet," so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.

The burden of affliction is apt to make the Christians hands hang down and his knees feeble, to dispirit him and discourage him but against this we must receive it because it is certain that healing, strength and growth can be reaped through it.

CONCLUSION:  John 14:1-7 (NIV)

¹ “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. ² My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? ³ And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. ⁴ You know the way to the place where I am going.” ⁵ Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”  ⁶ Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. ⁷ If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”