Fix Your Mind

Hebrews 3:1 Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess.  
 
THE word “therefore” is a favorite transition word for the Hebrews writer. This is the third time we have read it, and we’ll see it 17 times through the letter. As one of my favorite pastors used to preach, “What is the therefore there for?” The word is there for you to take a moment to consider what you have just read and then respond appropriately. Because Jesus has suffered, because he has risen, because he is Supreme, because he is your eternal Hope, fix your thoughts on him.
   Yes, take time to purposefully consider Jesus. Keep a steady gaze on the One who declared he is your Good Shepherd and the Way to heaven. In your heart gaze steadfastly on the Lord’s ministry. He literally walked into the world’s sin, so he would be your way to a sinless life. Clear away any blurred vision that may come from doubt, temptation or complacency. Fix your thoughts on the cross and remember Jesus’ broken body and blood shed there for you.
   Be attentive, also, that you belong to a community of believers. With holy brothers and sisters, you share in the heavenly calling. Yes, fix your mind on that wonderful joy. You have been called to heaven! God has opened his home to say, “In my house ae many mansions. I have prepared a place for you.” (from John 14:2) Fix your eyes on God’s deep love to point you to his extraordinary height. Even through hard challenges and desperate days, you have One on whom you can set your mind. Jesus is your anchor. He gives you the way out of harm and into him.
   Hebrews calls Jesus the apostle and high priest whom we confess. This is another way to help us see Jesus is our personal Lord and Savior. God’s apostles are messengers. Jesus personally commissioned apostles to go into the world to make disciples. They knew what to do because Jesus showed them how. The Father had commissioned the Son: Luke 9:35 A voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.” He has come directly to earth to be God’s messenger in the Father’s authority.  
   When you fix your mind on Jesus, you will know who you are and where you are going. You will know what to do. The world’s ways change. New ideas become old. That’s why we thank Jesus he has come with his timeless truth. We know where we can be safe amid the world’s noisy conflict. It is a wonderous gift that we join with Jesus and with others to share in the heavenly calling, isn’t it?