Eye on the Prize

As we are packing light for the journey of faith and running with perseverance the race laid out for us, there is a focal point that we must not lose sight of. The author of Hebrews says, “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. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Hebrew 12:2, 3)

The reason that we are even in this race is because of what Jesus did on the cross for us. Jesus endured the cruelty and ugliness of the cross so that we could gain salvation and so we would not “grow weary and lose heart”. We are to consider Jesus’ example of endurance and model our way ministry after Him.

Jesus said that He would send the Holy Spirit to live within us, empowering us to keep our eyes focused on Him and giving us the ability to endure to the end. (John 16:7) Even though this is the case, it is still very easy to lose our way, to re-arrange focus, or slow down in the race towards the prize.

You remember the story about how on May 6, 1954, Roger Bannister became the first man in history to run a mile in less than 4 minutes. Within 2 months, John Landy eclipsed the record by 1.4 seconds. On August 7, 1954, the two met together for a historic race. As they moved into the last lap, Landy held the lead. It looked as if he would win, but as he neared the finish he was haunted by the question, “Where is Bannister?” As he turned to look, Bannister took the lead. Landy later told a Time magazine reporter, “If I hadn't looked back, I would have won!”

There are many people in this world that are running a different race, interested in receiving a prize that is perishable and will not last. (1 Cor. 9:25) There are even those who have entered the race and have decided to look back or bow out. (Luke 9:62) We must be counted among those who know our destination, the Person of our destination, striving to receive that destiny, and never giving up.

Tony Evans tells of a farmer who was teaching his son to plow with a mule. “To make straight furrows, son, just pick out an object beyond the field and keep your eyes fixed on it.” The boy nodded his understanding, and the farmer left. When he came back an hour later, the farmer was shocked to see a field of twisted furrows. “What happened, son? I thought I told you to keep your eye on an object beyond the field.” I did, Dad,” the boy replied, pointing to the “standard” he had chosen--a cow in the adjoining pasture!

What standard are you moving towards? What prize are you running after? Do you need to re-enter the race?

Jesus prayed for you in John 17:24 in hopes that you would not look back and endure until the end. I long to have my faith completed in Him as I know that you do and I long to hear those words, “Well done good and faithful servant…enter into the joy of the Lord.” (Matthew 25:23)

Keep your eyes on the prize. Jesus is the Author, Sustainer, and Completion of our faith! He is our prize!

Next week we will have a discussion about those who cheer us on.

Brandon