Looking to Jesus

     Hebrews 12:2a (ESV) reads, "Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith." Oftentimes when we look at ourselves and our situation, or that of others with whom we are connected, it is easy to get discouraged. Conflict and contention can arise. We need to be reminded of why we follow Jesus, and why we get together with others who do also. We need to remember who Jesus is.
    One passage that speaks powerfully of  Him is Colossians 1:15-20. "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities- all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from among the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross."
    Reflect on the grandeur of the exalted Christ who created everything, and whose love for us compelled him to atone for our independence and rebellion on the cross.
   The author of Hebrews by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit writes of Jesus, "He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. For to which of the angels did God ever say, "You are my Son, today I have begotten you?...'
     But of the Son he says, "Your throne , O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom." (Hebrews 1:3-5a, 8 ESV)
    So let us lay aside every weight, and sin, and run with endurance (Hebrews 12:1para). Let us fix our eyes on the glory, beauty, and truth of the Lord. He is the One whom we follow and why we fellowship with others.