Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else ~ Isaiah 45:22.
Introduction
A call to look unto Jesus is the most glorious personal invitation mortal man ever received. It’s a tender and an affectionate invitation from the Creator-God Himself, opening an unusual access to all His provisions for all humanity, in Christ Jesus.
By this memorable invitation, the Almighty God has flung open the cistern of His heavenly treasures, and He’s hereby calling us all to partake of His abundant life, offering total salvation from sin, sicknesses, poverty, limitations, stagnation and demonic oppression.
The invitation equally assures us of God’s majestic illumination, banishing shame and all concurrent evils (Psalm 34:4-5). When we look unto God in the face of Jesus Christ, we will see the glory that enlightens the mind, and casts rays of comfort into our awakened heart.
This reminds us of the experience Moses had when he went up Mount Sinai, and was there in God’s presence for forty days and forty nights. When he came down, his face took on a certain brilliance to the effect that the people could not gaze into his face.
A true glimpse at the Maker of all things, may well suffice for all our troubles, and banish our reproaches while running in the race of life. Illuminated by His glory, cheered by His Voice, and empowered by His Spirit, we may stand very privileged as we advance with His abiding presence, even till our race is fully run.
Now, the critical truth to know is that no man has ever looked to Jehovah-God, as He is, and found ease as it were! Why? Just as the mortal eye cannot fix its gaze upon the sun, so no human intellect could ever look unto God and find light, for the brightness of God would strike the eye of such mind with eternal blindness.
Typically, God dwells in an unapproachable light, often referred to as “shekinah glory”. And, trying to see His “bare face” is much harder than trying to gaze into the glare of the sun at midday! If we dared to look at His face, we would be blinded, for the Light of the Godhead is most insufferable to behold.
When Moses was in the atmosphere of God’s presence on Mount Sinai, he requested to see God’s face (Exodus 33:18-20). But, God responded, "Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see Me, and live”.
Yes indeed, the Almighty God, in His characteristic dizzying glory, can afford no comfort whatsoever to a troubled heart, for He "is a consuming fire" (Deuteronomy 9:3; Hebrews 12:29).
Happily, He shrouded, tempered, veiled or encapsulated Himself in Jesus Christ. This, the Most High God did, just to make Himself available and accessible to humanity, especially as a part of the redemption story (2 Corinthians 4:6).
Only in Jesus Christ can man, with steady gaze, behold God Almighty, who came down to us and died for us on the Cross, so that our poor finite intelligence can understand Him, and our frail bodies can embrace and accommodate His glory. This is great mystery of godliness (1Timothy 3:16)!
As it stands today, and as it’s forever settled in heaven, it is only through Jesus that humanity can ever get privileged access to God. Looking unto Jesus is the only way to see the Father-God in practical terms. He is the mediator between God and man (1Timothy 2:5).
Moses requested to see God’s glory, but God told him: "l will make all my goodness pass before thee" (Exodus 33:19). As our only valid access to God the Father, Jesus Christ is the embodiment of God’s goodness, and it’s only through Him that we can enjoy the goodness of God, maximally.
When the divine light and power of God flow into our lives, we become enabled to see beyond the surface into depths of spirituality, and we receive the authority to act in the name of Jesus Christ, even as He abides with us everywhere we go.
Never forget: you have no business looking hither and tither, but unto Jesus! It is to the extent that we truly focus on Jesus Christ that we can see the world for what it really is, and enjoy the fullness of God’s glory.
Why We Must Look Unto Jesus Christ
Basically, to look unto someone is to turn to the person, expecting assistance. So, looking unto Jesus, actually means turning to Him for help.
It could be help in the form of healing, rescue from the miry clay experiences of life, deliverance from sin and sinful habits, freedom from the hold of poverty, protection or even guidance through a journey or process in life, etcetera.
No one can exist on earth without supernatural help, and the surest help we can have is in God (Psalm 46:1-5; 121:1-8). Jesus Christ is the Help that God sent to man (John 3:16). He continues to abide with us in the form of the Holy Spirit (John 14:18).
All power belongs to Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:18; John 14:6). He fought, won, and gave us the victory. If we look up to Him today, He will help us to enjoy the provisions of the covenant. And, if we wait on Him, He will deliver us without fail (Luke 18:1-8).
Are you warring presently, and it’s like the enemy is thrusting sore at you? Never fear! Jesus Christ, our Master, was more than a conqueror, and so shall we be. He fought and has secured for us a “standard” that can never be stained with defeat (Isaiah 59:19).
Succinctly, looking unto Jesus means and entails: leaning implicitly on Him, zooming in on Him without any distraction and loving Him as our supreme goal in the journey of destiny. Whatever we need is available in Him, once we decidedly look unto Him and put Him first in our lives (Matthew 6:33).
Now, there are several important reasons why looking unto Jesus is a must for those who wish to run and finish excellently in the race of life. Essentially, life is generally unpredictable, but Jesus is the only Unfailing Guide in the race of life (John 16:33; Hebrews 12:2).
Moreover, only Jesus Christ can save, and this is the most important reason why looking unto Him is a spiritual imperative (Acts 4:12)! He is the author and finisher of our faith, and He’s the One who can bring clarity and authenticity to our existence. When we look to Him, we will, indeed, experience abundant life!
Fixing our eyes on the Sustainer of all things changes our perspectives, and a change of perspective can open our doors to incredible faith that will get us through our toughest times!
Undoubtedly, looking fully into His wonderful face, the things of this world and all that troubles us grow dim in the light of His power, glory and grace.
Would you love to truly fix your gaze on Jesus Christ? Then, begin to spend some quality time with Him in true worship, and start developing a consistent prayer life (Psalm 46:10-11; 1Thessalonians 5:17). Furthermore, read the Word regularly, and of course, be totally reliant on the Holy Spirit, daily (2Timothy 2:15; Ephesians 1:13-14).
Beloved brethren and friends, look unto Jesus now, and live. May we all receive grace to always look unto Him, and see everything and everyone through His eyes. You won’t miss it, in Jesus name. Amen. Happy Sunday!
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Bishop Taiwo Akinola,
Rhema Christian Church,
Otta, Ogun State, Nigeria.
Connect with Bishop Akinola via these channels:
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