“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 is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
(Hebrews 12:2)
“It’s like a finger pointing away to the moon, said Bruce Lee, the famous martial artist-philosopher, “Don’t concentrate on the finger or you will miss all that heavenly glory.” In context, his meaning is clear: right focus is essential when training or when engaged in actual combat. Wrong focus could be the difference between winning the trophy or saving your life! Life is filled with similar analogies. Sean and Greice, for instance, just had their baby boy, Elijah, a week ago. Imagine visiting this couple to congratulate them. How ridiculous it would be to focus on the color and design of the child’s crib, while ignoring the precious, tiny image-bearer of God sleeping in it! The unregenerate mind has a real problem focusing on the right things when it comes to spiritual matters, things of eternal significance. I saw this first hand years ago when I brought an outstanding DVD entitled The Last Adam, which was produced by Answers in Genesis, to our Easter family gathering. The film is only 15 minutes long, but it is absolutely riveting in how it communicates Gospel truth in a kind of docu-drama format (search “the last Adam – Answers in Genesis” on Youtube and you’ll find it). The Last Adam hits us full force with not only with the tragic and horrific consequences of sin, but with the wisdom, power, and love of God displayed in the redemptive work of Christ, the Last Adam. I cannot watch this film without tearing up. I (perhaps foolishly) thought my relatives would also be moved to think about the Savior in a new way after seeing this powerful film. How disappointed I was when several family members came forward seconds after the movie ended to ask about my laptop and projector. They didn’t have the slightest interest in the film’s content. They were only interested in the electronics I used to show it. We shake our heads at this but we often see this kind of thing in North American churches. I’ve seen young preachers deliver their first sermon to congregations who should be considered the message but who are instead busy judging the speakers on their “performances.” I praise God that this is far less of a problem our own church. In years past our carpets were in a horrible state of disrepair, even so, no one seemed to notice (at least not until they became trip hazards!). In any case, none of us has arrived yet as “a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:13). We all need help from time to time getting our focus where it belongs, which is on Christ the Lord to Whom belongs the preeminence in all things (Colossians 1:18). Let us recommit today, even as David did, to setting the LORD before us always (Psalm 16:8).
God bless you,
Pastor John
English