Fix your eyes on the goal

Chelsea had totally forgotten about Daylight Saving Time (DST) and was still watching a midnight episode with her flatmate Mardy when a brief commercial reminded them of DST start time – about 1 hour away!

“I’m going to watch that time jump on my android phone”, Chelsea announced.

“Me too”, Mardy said, “and we’ll see who sees the time jump first!”

So, as the time drew closer, they both waited on their phones. Suddenly, both exclaimed, “Yay, I saw it first!”

Elisha found himself in the same scenario – watching intently for that split second when Elijah will be taken away from him. Elisha had been assisting Elijah in his prophetic work. But now, the Lord will be taking Elijah away. When Elijah asked Elisha what his parting wish was, he replied, “……Please, grant me twice as much prophetic power as you have had” (2 Kings 2:9).

Elijah was a very powerful prophet and God has used him to do many amazing miracles during his time. Elisha wanted the ability to accomplish even more – a double portion! Elijah told him the condition, “If you see me when I am taken from you, then you will get your request. But if not, then you won’t” (2 Kings 2:10). That seemed like a pretty easy condition, but chances were that Elisha would miss this sight. First, he had no idea exactly when or how Elijah would be taken. Second, they were walking and talking at the same time. Elisha could have been deeply engrossed in the discussion or distracted by his surroundings. But, no, he was a man of focus. In verse 12, he suddenly shouted, “My father! My father! The Chariot of Israel and the charioteers!” He saw Elijah – the very moment he was taken away from him!

Today, those who walk in the steps of Jesus – need to focus on Jesus and look away from distracting events so that we can be good followers. The first part of Hebrews 12:2 says “Keep your eyes on Jesus…” Why? In Hebrews 12:1, the bible explains that the Christian life is a race and sin has the potential to slow us down and trip us up. Fixing our eyes on Jesus is our surest way of staying on track and reaching our goal – to be with Jesus forever!

Are you getting tired? Be encouraged! Do not quit! Do not give up! You are not alone. The presence of God is with you. Deuteronomy 31:6 says “Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you”. Hebrews 11 and 12:1 also paint a picture of a huge crowd of men of faith who have completed the race. Even today, we have others on the track running alongside us, encouraging us to move along. So, while the race is personal, we can be motivated by other “marathoners” around us, and ultimately by Jesus Christ.

Have not joined the race yet? There is still room. You can get started by repenting and believing on Jesus. Please, read John 3:15 – 18. Consider getting on track today.

On your marks, get set, go!