Looking unto Jesus

Text: Matt. 14:22–32
MORE LESSON: Heb. 12:1-4

And immediately Jesus stretched forth His hand and caught him and said to him, 'O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? Matt. 14:31. Doubt, fear and sinking in the midst of the storms of life are events of events usually experienced by a man who is no longer focussed on Jesus. But when a man has set himself before the Most High everyday and in all things, he can be sure of strength to withstand whatsoever may come his way. The scripture says, And the rain descended, and the floods came and the winds blew, and beat upon that house and it fell not; for it was founded upon the rock: Matt. 7:25. When a believer exhibits undivided attention on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of eternal salvation, he can be sure he will not sink in any storm of life.

There are countless negative effects of not looking unto Jesus: Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled Heb. 12:15. Roots of bitterness and defilements are examples of what can spring up when a believer is no longer focussed on the Lord. And on the other hand, if a man can see the Lord clearly and follow Him all the time, he is sure to get to the highest height in life. And He said unto them follow me and I will make you ....Matt. 4:19. Prov. 8:32–36 gives a long list of other things the believer should do to have his gaze fixed on Jesus.

Some of which are:
(i) Keeping the ways of the Lord (verse 32). God's ordinances, statutes, doctrines, laws and commandments as expressed in His Word should be kept.

(ii) Hearing and not refusing God's instructions daily (verse 33). That means, going to where we can hear God's Word.

(iii) Hearing the Lord Himself and developing an intimate relationship with God, (verse 34).

(iv) Watching daily at His gates, i.e. through quiet time, fellowshipping.

(v) Waiting at the posts of His doors, i.e. steadfast ness, consistency and diligence in seeking Him (verse 34).

(vi) Finding the Lord and just seeking Him. It is only those that find the Lord that can be said to have sought Him, the aftermath of which is divine favour.

(vii) Not sinning against the Lord because it will amount to deliberately doing wrong to oneself (verse 36).

(viii) Loving Him (the Lord) so that the believer can have abundant life. (Verse 36).

Beloved, anyone who does these things will never be distracted but will find enthusiasm to constantly seek the Lord and obey Him in all things.

Prayer/Action
* Jesus I fix my eyes on You; let my foundation be established upon the Rock that will not be moved.
* Father, help me to follow Y our instructions daily and grant me an intimate walk with Your Spirit.

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