“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.”
Life often feels like a race, doesn’t it? We start with energy and excitement, but then we hit obstacles—fatigue, distractions, disappointments. It’s easy to lose focus, to slow down, or even to want to quit.
The writer of Hebrews reminds us that the only way to keep running faithfully is by fixing our eyes on Jesus.
He’s not just an example, He’s the pioneer—the One who started our faith—and the perfecter—the One who brings it to completion.
Think about a marathon runner. Along the course, there are distractions—cheering crowds, aching muscles, even tempting thoughts of quitting. But a true runner locks their eyes on the finish line. That vision pulls them forward, even when everything in their body screams to stop. Despite all the distractions around them, they train to shut their eyes to everything going on around them, and they train their minds to focus on ONE goal, which is to reach the finish line.
In the same way, Jesus kept His eyes on the joy set before Him. That “joy” wasn’t an easy life or earthly applause—it was the joy of redeeming us, reconciling us to God, and sitting victorious at the Father’s right hand.
If He endured the cross because of what was ahead, then we too can endure our present struggles when our eyes are fixed on Him.
But it is important for us to have a “goal”. What is your goal? If we are followers of Christ, our goal should be just “one”. To live a life pleasing to Christ and present ourselves before Him with faith and endurance till the end, demonstrating that we ran the race to the finish line without divided loyalties.
Today, ask yourself: Where are my eyes fixed?
- Are they on problems, making you anxious?
- Are they on people, leaving you disappointed?
- Are they on temporary pleasures, distracting you from what matters most?
Shift your focus. Fix your eyes on Jesus. He already finished the race and now runs with you, strengthening your faith with every step.
When you feel like giving up, picture Him at the finish line, arms wide open, saying, “Keep going. I’ve already won this for you.”
Reflection Questions:
- What distractions are keeping your eyes off Jesus today?
- What does “the joy set before you” look like in your own race of faith?
- How can you practically refocus your eyes on Jesus this week (e.g., daily scripture reading, prayer, worship)?