3:358 – Eyes on Jesus, Not The World

#faithbites #faithjourney eyes

Setting

Tomorrow is Christmas Eve! This the day before the day Christians believe that our Lord and Savior was born. Christmas day is when he was born and we believe God continued to fulfill the prophecy. Instead of well wishes, eyes on God, I see this: The Government is screwing Us; We need better politicians; The virus is just the flu; people in other countries don’t need our help if we aren’t helped first; the government is taking my rights away and the list goes on and on.

Before you stop reading, I know that 2020 has sucked for most people. I know this Christmas season is unlike any we’ve experienced. For many of us, it is filled with sadness, darkness, and loss. I get it.

Now if we put ourselves in the shoes of the ancient Jewish people, 2000 plus years ago, they were in a dark place. God was silent for 400 years. They had a prophecy they thought would never come true. They were oppressed and beaten. But their eyes were still on God. And guess what? He answered!

Now it is time for us to take our eyes from the ground and our problem and to Jesus. We need to welcome his birth, celebrate it, and show everyone how to love like Jesus does.

Scripture

• James 4:8 – Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
• Hebrews 12:2 – looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Reflection

God isn’t found in a Corona relief bill. He is not found on social media yelling at people who don’t agree with you. He definitely isn’t in debating how we should or shouldn’t help our neighbors.

Jesus is found through faith and God’s word. He is found when we turn our eyes to living like he did. Jesus is found when we act like him in taking care of the poor, the meek, the hungry, and all.

Living with eyes towards God is hard. It takes us snapping out of our routine, realizing what we are doing, and asking for help.

As we get ready to celebrate the birth of Jesus, are you willing to turn your eyes to him?

Challenge

How are you celebrating the birth of Jesus? What are you going to do to shine his light? Share how his light flow through you.

Prayer

Father God, you are magnificent. You gave us the light of the world. We thank you for Jesus’s love and forgiveness. Please help us to focus on you and only you. Help us to remember that you will provide and will make things right in the world.
Jesus, we need you. We need your love, your strength, and your forgiveness. Be with us. Transform our lives. Let us be like you serving all people.