Fix your eyes on Jesus and on nothing else clearly

As you're reading this book page right now, your eyes are focused only on the print. You're somewhat aware of your arms, your lap, your chair, your surroundings -- aware enough that you wouldn't suddenly move so that you'd bump against something; aware enough that you'd know if some dog, for instance, or a person suddenly arrived on the scene that you needed to know about. So although your peripheral vision is a safeguard, a buffer zone, it doesn't occupy your immediate attention. Live your life something like that. When you fix your eyes on Jesus your focus will be on Him, but your peripheral vision will be enough to take care of the rest. Hebrews 12:2 is our verse: "Fix your eyes on Jesus." But there's a meaning in the original words that's lost in most translations: it indicates looking away to Jesus -- with such concentration that you don't see anything else quite as clearly. "Away": that's the untranslated adverb. I was going to be traveling to Texas on "book business." It had been a while since I'd had time to think about my wardrobe, and last week, deep in ministry, God brought it to my mind. (You may not be in "full-time ministry," as we use that phrase, but bear with my illustration anyway.) Around the edges of my consciousness He planted the thought, "You need a couple of dresses for Texas and for summer church and conference speaking." A day or two later I was sitting in a restaurant engrossed in eating lunch, reading my Bible and writing my prayers. Afterward as I turned to go I realized that next door was women's clothing. I remembered my need, and there in plain view were two simple summer dresses: my size, my price, my autumn colors. On the spot I got them, with shoes for one and earrings for the other, and I knew that what I already had at home would finish the two outfits. Thank You, Abba Father . . . . It will probably be a year before I need to get any further summer clothes. Now, sometimes my life isn't that smooth and efficient. Sometimes God deliberately builds hassle into my life; He knows when I need it to grow. He's so kind! But as a general rule for living, Matthew 6:33 will always be true: "Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and dresses, shoes, and earrings will be given to you as well." --Oh, no, that's not quite how the verse goes: "all these things" -- whatever is needed to help you live while you "seek first." The point is, look away to Jesus. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Let's pray about this: Heavenly Father, may the focus of my life be -- Not on myself Not on others Not on my troubles Not on material things Not on the devil Not on my sins Not on false hopes Not on ugliness Help me to look away from all these to Jesus! In His worthy name, amen. * * * * * Oh, fix our earnest gaze So wholly, Lord, on You, That with Your beauty occupied All else is dimmer view.