F O C U S

Hebrews 12:2

When I was a high school athlete I ran the 110 meter hurdles.  I can remember like it was yesterday being in the starting blocks and looking down the track through the tunnel of hurdles toward the finish line.  Hurdlers and sprinters have a great advantage over longer distance runners in that they can see the finish line right out of the blocks.  I see that same dynamic in today’s scripture.

In the letter to the Hebrews at chapter 12 and verse 2 we read, “…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.”

Like the hurdler, it seems that Jesus could see the finish line for His life right from the beginning.  The clear vision of the destination and the rewards waiting at the finish line kept his life in perfect focus.

Every January, I watch the Super Bowl and am fully confident that all the players and coaches from both teams sneak peeks at the Lombardi Trophy sitting there waiting for the championship to be won.  They all have the trophy in clear view and compete strongly to the final gun.

Let’s emulate these champions and the Lord Jesus by keeping our goals clearly in focus and by putting away all the distractions that would keep them from being realized.  If we all compete that way, we’ll be a championship team.

Bible Reading Plan:
John 11:1-16
I John 3:1-10
Job 13
Ezekiel 35-37