Looking Unto Jesus: The Author and Finisher of Our Faith
To God be the glory for His Faithfulness and His unfailing Mercy, and Love which He bestows on us year by year, month by month, week by week, day by day, second by second, and moment by moment. Our God is a good Father through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, through whom we have all things that pertain to life and godliness.
The year 2024 has kicked off earnestly, and we thank God for bringing us into March 2024. The month that ushers us into the suffering, death, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Our focus this month is “Looking Unto Jesus: The Author and Finisher of Our Faith.”
Hebrews 12:2 (NKJV) 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 has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
The phrase “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith,” offers a profound message about the importance of focusing on Jesus Christ in our spiritual journey. Let’s delve into the meaning of this verse and how it can guide us:
1. Jesus as the Author:
Here, Jesus is referred to as the “author” of our faith. This means He is the originator, the one who initiated and established the very concept of our faith. He embodies the essence of faith, demonstrating complete trust and reliance on God. By looking to Jesus, we understand what true faith entails and draw inspiration from His perfect example.
John 14:6: “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'”
Acts 4:12: “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”
By living a perfect life, fulfilling the Law, and offering himself as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins, Jesus laid the groundwork for our salvation and established the foundation of the Christian faith.
2. Jesus as the Finisher:
Hebrews 12 verse 2 also calls Jesus the “finisher” of our faith. This signifies that He is not only the source but also the one who brings our faith to completion. He guides us on our spiritual path, helping us overcome challenges and persevere through difficulties. Ultimately, He leads us to the ultimate goal of our faith, which is a deeper connection with God.
Philippians 1:6: “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Jude 1:24: “Now to him who can keep you from stumbling and present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, from all ages and now and forever. Amen.”
By looking unto Jesus we are to actively engage with His teachings; reflect on His life and actions and seek to emulate His character. By constantly turning our minds and hearts towards Jesus, we gain strength and inspiration, maintain perspective, and develop our faith.
In Conclusion by incorporating this practice into our lives, we can experience the transformative power of faith and remain grounded on our spiritual journey.
The Disciples who were Jesus’ closest followers constantly looked to Him as their teacher, mentor, and guide. They witnessed His miracles, listened to His parables, and sought to emulate His character. Even with moments of doubt and misunderstanding, their faith was ultimately strengthened through their relationship with Him.
Prayers:
1. Thank you, Lord, for your faithfulness in my life.
2. Father, help me to repent of all sins in my life and receive Jesus Christ as my Lord and personal Savior.
3. Father, please help me to always fix my gaze on the Lord Jesus Christ through prayers, reading, and meditating on the word of God in Jesus’ name.
4. Father thank you for giving me victory over all my challenges in Jesus’ name.
You are welcome to March 2024, the month of looking unto Jesus who is the Author and Finisher of our faith. May the Lord perfect all that concerns us in Jesus’ mighty name.
Yours in the Lord,
Pastor Lillian Haastrup.
