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Sunday Tonic:
Look Unto Jesus and Live
(Numbers 21:8–9; John 3:14–15; Hebrews 12:2)
Beloved in Christ,
Life presents us with many battles—some seen, others hidden deep in our hearts. In the wilderness, the children of Israel faced deadly serpents, and many perished. But God gave a simple yet profound instruction: “Make a fiery serpent and set it on a pole; and everyone who is bitten, when he looks at it, shall live” (Numbers 21:8). Those who obeyed and looked upon the bronze serpent lived. Those who refused perished.
This points us to Christ. As Jesus explained, “Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him may have eternal life” (John 3:14–15).
Looking Away from Ourselves
Too often, when life’s serpents bite us—sin, guilt, fear, failure—we look inward, trying to save ourselves. But self cannot save self. Israel could not heal their own wounds. They had to look outside themselves to the provision of God. In the same way, we must stop trusting our own strength, wisdom, or resources and lift our eyes to Jesus, the true source of healing and salvation.
The Simplicity of Faith
The command in the wilderness was not complicated—look and live. It wasn’t about works, rituals, or offerings. It was about trust. Salvation today is just as simple: Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved (Acts 16:31). The world tries to make it harder than it is, but the gospel is clear—Christ crucified is enough.
Looking Continually
Hebrews 12:2 urges us: “Looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith.” This is not a one-time glance, but a continual gaze. Life’s storms, temptations, and disappointments can easily draw our attention away. But the secret of endurance is keeping our eyes on Christ. Peter walked on water as long as he kept his eyes on Jesus; the moment he looked at the wind, he began to sink.
Looking with Expectation
When we look unto Jesus, we don’t just see a crucified Savior—we see a risen King. We see victory over sin, healing for our souls, peace in our storms, hope for eternity. To look unto Jesus is to expect life in place of death, joy in place of sorrow, and strength in place of weakness.
The Promise of Life
Every look at Jesus is a look toward life. He declared: “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live” (John 11:25). Eternal life begins the moment we look in faith. No sin is too great, no past too stained, no wound too deep that the gaze of faith cannot bring healing and renewal.
Reflections for the Week
- Personal: Where have you been looking—yourself, others, or Christ? Redirect your gaze to Him today.
- Family: Can you as a household take time each day this week to “look unto Jesus” through prayer and Bible reading?
- Church: How can we, as a congregation, lift Christ higher so others can look and live?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, we turn our eyes away from our weakness and failures. We look to You, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Heal our wounds, renew our faith, and keep our gaze fixed on You. Grant us life in abundance, now and forever. Amen.
Prophetic Declaration for the Week:
This week, I set my eyes firmly on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of my faith. As I look to Him, every serpent of affliction, fear, and failure loses its grip on me. I receive healing, peace, joy, and divine strength in every area of my life. No distraction, storm, or temptation shall turn my gaze away from Christ. I declare that this is my week of turnaround, favour, and victory—for I look unto Jesus, and I live! Amen.
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