O soul, are you weary and troubled? No light in the darkness you see? There’s light for a look at the Savior, and life more abundant and free. —Helen Lemmel, “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus”
When life is unbearable, we’ll consider anything to release the burden. Some consider shopping to be therapy. Others consider receiving another raise at work to be the mark of success. Some couples consider divorce or counseling. Financially strapped individuals consider bankruptcy. Those who feel hopeless might consider giving up.
When we are depleted of our own strength, we long for guidance. Into this need the author of Hebrews offers the ultimate consideration:
Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (Hebrews 12:3)
But the question then is why? Why should we consider Jesus?
In these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. (Hebrews 1:2-3a)
Jesus made it all and therefore owns it all. No segment of life is outside His authority. Are you struggling to find a creative solution to a problem? You have access to Jesus, the most creative person in the universe. Seek Him!
Jesus is the light a dark life needs. He is the radiance of God’s glory. In other words, if the Father is the sun, then Jesus is the sunbeam. Apart from Jesus, we will live in darkness. If you are in a dark place right now, I want to encourage you: Fix your eyes on Jesus. He’ll light the way.
Jesus is the exact representation of God’s being. In Greek, this implied an engraving of an image on a hard piece of metal. From this hard piece, other soft pieces could be stamped with the image of the first. As they cooled, the exact image was there. A perfect representation. If you want to know what God does, how God thinks, and who God is, look at Jesus.
Imagine what it would be like to turn over ownership of the burden, to invite light into darkness. Consider how Jesus could change everything.
Jesus, guide me away from darkness into a bright understanding of You. Grant me the courage to release control and embrace wisdom. May Your Spirit be the strength of my embrace. Amen.