MORNING MANNA               8/8/20

“ Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Heb. 12:2

This should be easy to do, but it isn’t. There are so many duties, difficulties, dangers, and distractions in the world that we often find ourselves focused on something other than Jesus – the one who is “altogether lovely” ( S.S 5:16). It even happens in Bible study and preaching. We get so caught up considering other things that we fail to focus on the main thing, which is to “consider him” ( Heb. 12:3).

Were we wise we would never take our eyes off Jesus. Why would we? There is nothing that compares to Him and He is the very theme of the Bible. Look at His –

– amazing attributes

– lasting love

– great grace

– marvelous mercy

– personal purity

– beautiful behavior

– wise ways

– wondrous works

– mighty miracles

– tremendous teachings

Exhaust every thought in regards to each of those and the half has not yet been told – you have but touched the hem of the garment. Man’s mortal mind cannot fathom the greatness of the One who is the Alpha and Omega, the First and Last, etc. His greatness is far above our ability to comprehend. But, although He is unknowable completely , He is not completely unknowable. We have the blessed record of God’s Word focused on Him from beginning to end. 

Consider who He is, what He did, what He is doing, and what He has promised. Consider His creations, condescension, character, crucifixion, conquest over death, and coming again. Think of His person – “the author and finisher of our faith“, His passion – “who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross”, His patience – “despising the shame“, His position – “is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Look unto Him, think of Him, learn of Him, speak of Him, sing unto Him, and preach Him.

That’s the what, now here’s the why – so we can “run with patience the race that is set before us” (Heb. 12:1), “not be wearied and faint”, strive against sin, and avoid chastisement. But the reasons go on and on. We should look unto Jesus as our example, for enlightenment, encouragement, empowerment, enthusiasm, enablement, endurance, enrichment, and edification.