Prophetic Word 2024 - Day 3: To keep your resolve, focus on Him!

”looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.“

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭2‬-‭3‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

You’ve probably heard about Stephen, the first Christian martyr. He preached a sermon to the religious leaders that still packs a sting! He had done nothing wrong, but because he dared confront them concerning their ways of being and doing, they stoned him to death.

”When they heard these things they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth. But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, and said, “Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!” Then they cried out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and ran at him with one accord; and they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul. And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.“

‭‭Acts‬ ‭7‬:‭54‬-‭60‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Amazingly, in the midst of their violence toward him, Steven speaks of seeing Jesus, and then demonstrates the ultimate in forgiveness concerning those who were killing him.

You see, Steven was following Jesus to the end; and a true follower of Jesus will be found demonstrating His way of being and doing, no matter what.

Yes, Steven’s eyes were on Jesus. Indeed, his focusing on Jesus provided the strength he needed to be a good witness—even praying for those who were attacking him—even until he “fell asleep.”

You see, where you are looking, will not only determine where you are going, but will also determine whether you are encouraged to carry on, or tempted to fall away into despair.

Indeed, as we see in our opening scripture, Jesus’ resolve was strengthened by His focusing on His mission: obedience to the Father, even being obedient to the shame and suffering of the cross.

Friend, if we look at our circumstances, or what other people are doing or saying or “might be thinking,” we will not be able to finish our course well. But, if we look at Jesus, if we look at what He did to extend salvation to us, while also considering what that salvation brings for now and eternity, we will finish well.

Remember, Peter was able to walk on water until the storm distracted him from looking at Jesus (Matthew 14).

So, no matter what, look at Him! Keep looking at Him! Don’t ever look away!

Peace to you.

Jesus is coming! Get ready for Him!

#resolveforhim