A story is told about Cyrus, the founder of the Persian Empire. Through his conquests, he captured a prince and his family. When they came before him, the monarch asked the prisoner, “What will you give me if I release you?” “The half of my wealth,” was his reply. “And if I release your children?” “Everything I possess.” “And if I release your wife?” “Your Majesty, I will give myself.” Cyrus was so moved by his devotion that he freed them all. As they returned home, the prince said to his wife, “Wasn’t Cyrus a handsome man!” With a look of deep love for her husband, she said to him, “I didn’t notice. I could only keep my eyes on you — the one who was willing to give himself for me” (sermonillustrations.com).
In a very similar way, Jesus was not only willing but actually gave up everything for us. He temporarily gave up His seat in heaven. He gave up His own needs. He gave up His own comforts. He even gave His life for us. Like the prince’s wife, our response to such and incredible act of love should be to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus.
Hebrews 12:1-2 sums this thought up perfectly, “Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
May we always keep our eyes focused on Jesus!
Brett Petrillo