“Looking to Jesus.” - Hebrews 12:2
It is always the Holy Spirit’s work to turn our eyes away from self to Jesus. But Satan’s work is just the opposite; he is constantly trying to make us look at ourselves instead of Christ. He insinuates, “yours sins are too great for pardon; you have no faith; you do not repent enough; you will never be able to continue to the end; you do not have the joy of His children; you have such a wavering hold on jesus.” All these are thoughts about self, and we will never find comfort or assurance by looking within. But the Holy Spirit turns our eyes entirely away from self: He tells us that we are nothing, but that Christ is everything.
Remember, therefore, it is not your hold of Christ that saves you—it is Christ,it is notyour joy in Christ that saves you—it is Christ; it is not even faith in Christ, although that is the instrument—it’s Christ’s blood and merits. Therefore, do not look so much to your hand with which you are grasping Christ as to Christ; do not look to your hope but to Jesus, the source of your hope; do not look to your faith, but to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of your faith. We will never find happiness by looking at our prayers, our deeds, or our feelings; it’s what Jesus is, not what we are, that gives rest to the soul.
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name
- Charles Spurgeon
This entry really encouraged me and gave me a refreshing perspective upon Christ. Hope this encourages you as well.
