LOOK AND LIVE

 

The message of the cross and all that it represents is one of the greatest mysteries of God. It cannot be fully understood by human wisdom; only the Holy Spirit can reveal its depth to our hearts. As you read today's blog, I encourage you to ask God to open your eyes and show you a fresh revelation of Christ and His cross.

In the days of Moses, the people of Israel sinned against God, and the Lord allowed fiery serpents to come among them. Many were bitten and died because of their disobedience. When they cried out for mercy, God instructed Moses to make a bronze serpent and lift it up on a pole. Everyone who looked upon it in faith was healed and lived (Numbers 21:4–9).

This event was a prophetic picture of what would happen many years later when Jesus Christ would be lifted up on the cross. The cross is God's means of drawing humanity back to Himself. At Calvary, Jesus bore our sins, shame, sickness, sorrow, and condemnation. He paid the price we could never pay.

The Apostle Paul declared:

«"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." (Galatians 2:20)»

Many believers understand the cleansing power of the blood of Jesus, and indeed His blood washes away every sin. But there is another truth that must also become real to us—the power of the cross. The blood deals with the guilt of sin, while the cross deals with the old sinful nature, the flesh, which continually produces sin. As long as the flesh remains uncrucified, the struggle with sin continues. But when we embrace the cross and reckon ourselves crucified with Christ, we begin to experience victory over the power of sin.

A victorious Christian life is found only when the flesh is crucified with Christ. My prayer is that God will grant us understanding of this glorious truth.

The Bible tells us:

«"Looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith." (Hebrews 12:2)»

But what does it mean to look? And what does it mean to live?

To look means to fix our gaze upon Him with faith. It means to focus our attention on Him, to behold Him, to learn from Him, and to give Him our highest affection. Looking is more than seeing with our physical eyes; it is a deliberate posture of the heart.

Why must we look before we can live? Because we gradually become like whatever we continually behold. As we look to Jesus, His character is formed within us. His life becomes our life, His nature becomes our nature, and His victory becomes our experience.

If we are to become the light of the world and reflect the image of God, we must continually behold Christ. The disciples were recognized because they had been with Jesus. Likewise, those around us should see Christ reflected in our lives.

So, what are you looking at?

Many people spend countless hours looking at movies, sports, social media, and the pleasures of this world. While these things are not always sinful, whatever consistently occupies our attention will eventually shape our character. If our focus is on the world, we become increasingly worldly.

Today, Jesus is no longer physically present on earth, but we can still behold Him through the pages of Scripture. Every time we open the Bible with a sincere heart, we sit at His feet. The Word of God reveals Christ to us and transforms us into His likeness.

The Word of God is the channel through which salvation becomes a daily reality. His Word stands forever—it never changes from generation to generation. As we continually look to Jesus through His Word, He directs our paths, strengthens our faith, and transforms our lives.

The Bible says that when we draw near to Him, He will draw near to us. God does not show favoritism, but He delights in those who love Him, obey His Word, and do the will of the Father. These are the ones Jesus calls His brothers, sisters, and mother.

The conclusion of today's message is simple:

As we look to Jesus, we become like Jesus.

May God help us to keep our eyes fixed on Christ every day, until His life is fully revealed in us.

God bless you.