Looking unto Jesus!

(James Smith, "God, the Portion of His People")

''Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily besets us—and let us run with patience the race that is set before us—looking unto Jesus!" Hebrews 12:1-2

The world is a race-course,
life is a race, and
every one of us are racers!
A mark is set up, at which we are to aim;
and a prize is promised to every overcomer.

But there are many difficulties in the way, and we have many weights hanging about us. Those difficulties must be mastered, and those weights must be laid aside.

We must run the race set before us with patience—keeping our eye on Jesus.
Jesus is our Example—we must copy Him.
Jesus is our Leader—we must follow Him.
Jesus is our Sovereign—we must submit to Him.
Jesus is our Savior—we must trust alone in Him.
We must look . . .
  to His blood—for pardon,
  to His righteousness—for justification,
  to His Spirit—for strength, and
  to His fullness—for all our supplies.

We must make use of Jesus . . .
  every day,
  every hour,
  every minute!

Christian, look to Jesus!
When discouraged—He will animate you!
When timid—He will embolden you!
When feeble—He will strengthen you!
When weary—He will stimulate you!
When dying—He will give you the victory!
Let your last look—be a look at Jesus!

No one ever looked to Him in vain. As every one who looked to the brazen serpent was healed—so is every one saved, sanctified, and sustained—who looks to Jesus! Look to Him for all you need—and from all you fear.

Keep the eye fixed on Jesus; doing so, you will . . .
  conquer the world,
  overcome Satan,
  reach the mark,
  obtain the prize!

''Those who look to Him for help—will be radiant with joy." Psalm 34:5