Keep Looking at Jesus

“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.” — Hebrews 12:2 (KJV)

Torrey says one of the simplest and mightiest secrets of joy and victory is “to never lose sight of Jesus.” He gives three ways to keep looking at him.

First, look at Jesus on the cross when you feel guilty. The enemy will try to make you brood over your sins until you are discouraged. But if you look at what God looks at, Jesus dying in your place, you will see that every sin has been dealt with.

Second, look at Jesus as your risen Saviour when you are tempted. Torrey says: “Are you tempted to do some wrong at this moment? If you are, remember that Jesus rose from the dead.” Jesus is alive and has all power in heaven and earth, so he can give you victory right now. Ask him, and expect him to help.

And if you fail? Torrey says: confess it, know that it is forgiven because God says so in 1 John 1:9, and look to Jesus again.

Third, look at Jesus as the one you follow. Torrey says the whole secret of Christian conduct can be summed up in two words Jesus spoke: “Follow Me.”

Here he gives an important warning:

“One of the commonest causes of failure in Christian life is found in the attempt to follow some good man, whom we greatly admire.”

We all have Christian heroes: a youth leader, a famous preacher, a worship leader, an older friend. It is good to learn from them. But Torrey says: “No man and no woman, no matter how good, can be safely followed.” Everyone has flaws. Only Jesus is perfect.

That is especially important when someone you admired lets you down. If your faith was built on them, it can crumble. If it was built on Jesus, it will stand.

One thing to do this week: this week, when you feel guilty, picture Jesus on the cross. When you are tempted, remember he is risen. When you wonder what to do, ask: “What would following Jesus look like here?”