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. Hebrews 12:2
This letter, Hebrews, is addressed to the Jews, specifically those in Jerusalem. James the Overseer of the Jerusalem church has been killed. The year A.D. 66 began the Jewish revolts against Rome. The result, Jerusalem disappeared from Christian history until A.D. 326.
To fixate is to be totally obsessed by all facets of an object of interest. The writer of Hebrews says, we must look to Jesus’ life and character as our obsession. In this, we see the perfect heart of God and His Son that fixated on God’s glory and the hope of all mankind when He endured the indignities of the cross.
The plight of the early Christians was difficult. They were embedded in strict tradition and a synagogue that looked no further than earthly power. There were many who sought to take personal advantage of “The Next Big Thing.” The world of the believer was solely dependent on faith and perseverance. This writer knows that they must run the marathon of faith, casting off the things that hinder and wear them down, keeping their focus on what they desire most, eternal life at the Throne of God.
Traveling Lightly,
Gretchen