FOCUS ON JESUS - PART 2

TUESDAY 21 MARCH 2023

Any man who always longs to see Jesus, ought to be solemn and serious-minded, having intense conviction that he will never remain the same after such an encounter because Jesus is not just a Spirit, He is the paragon of sacred manifestation of Divinity. No born again Christian in his right mind would wish not to meet with Jesus, both in the Spirit and in the physical realm.

Reference: John 12:20-21 New American Standard Bible (NASB) "Now there were some Greeks among those who were going up to worship at the feast; Then they came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and asked him, saying, "Sir, we wish to see Jesus.""

Beloved, do you know what it means to be looking for Jesus? I don't think you understand fully. It is the eternal and most beautiful desire in any man's heart. The Greeks were so wise because they were looking for the greatest treasure in heaven and on earth. In fact, apostle Paul called Him the mystery of God. The Bible says, "My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ; In him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Colossians 2:2-3 NIV/NLT).

Sometimes no human language can convey the experience of having a rewarding encounter with Jesus Christ. What about those who had untold miraculous encounters by meeting or bumping into Jesus? It is written all over the pages of the Bible. For instance, Luke 8:43-48 (NKJV) recorded that a woman had an issue of blood for twelve years, and as a result, she spent all her living on physicians, yet she couldn't be healed by any. Having decided in her heart to meet Jesus by all means, she came from behind, and touched the border of His garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched. At the same time, Jesus perceived that virtue had gone out of Him. Although He knew what happened, He still asked, "Who touched me?" The woman, knowing that she couldn't remain out of sight, came out trembling, and falling down before him. Then she testified!

What an encounter! A twelve year old problem ended in the twinkling of an eye. Jesus did not ask her to tell a long story of how she got herself into such situation. He didn't tell her she was sinful, but rather He was admirably moved by the strength of her faith. And here's the most important aspect of her miraculous encounter with the Lord: "The woman, knowing that she couldn't hide, came out trembling, and falling down before him." Did you notice the word, "Trembling?" Simply paraphrased: The encounter surpassed the prayer of faith she made before meeting Jesus, and thus, she was dumbfounded. Indeed, the higher the prayer or decision of faith gets, the more astonishing the result. And here was her secret: Her focus was wholly on Jesus, not on anyone else in the crowd. For this reason, it didn't matter that she came from behind, she received the best from the Lord.

What is focus? It is paying particular attention to an interest without wavering. More so, achieving the "goal" or "target" of any focus is emblematic of investing your entire concentration on your interest until it pays off. In the context of today's topic, it implies a dedicated effort towards attaining spiritual growth, or receiving a godly desire, as well as miraculous expectation, as you concentrate on the Master. Indeed, just like the Greeks came to Philip and asked to see Jesus, let anyone who desires to have miraculous encounters or receive any expectation from the Lord Jesus ask in faith, without a doubt, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord since he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways (James 1:6-8 NKJV). Stay tuned for part 3. Shalom!

Scripture Reading - John 3:16; John 6:35; Colossians 1:15; 1 John 5:20.

Exuberant Declaration: My heart is focused on Jesus, and my mind is well directed towards Him. My thoughts are properly disciplined to nurture and stretch my faith convictions as far as the expanse of my desires and expectations in Christ, bearing in mind that I can never use up the exhaustive nature of abundance of His grace in my life. By fixing my gaze on Jesus, I receive the apparent measure of gifts and possessions from above, according to my faith. Blessed be God!