Heading Home

The Bible tells us in Hebrews 12:2a, “Looking to the Author and Finisher of our faith, Jesus.” (The Received Greek Text)

The dictionary tells us that an author is an originator or creator, as of a theory or plan. So, let’s see what the Greek words tell us.

* The word ‘looking’ means to consider attentively, to turn the eyes away from other things and fix them on something.

* ‘Author’ also means captain, prince, chief leader, one that takes the lead in anything and thus affords an example, furnishing the first cause or occasion, a predecessor in a matter, originating, beginning, or founder.

Therefore, the Amplified expands the verse this way, “Looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus, Who is the Leader and the Source of our faith [giving the first incentive for our belief] and is also its Finisher [bringing it to maturity and perfection].” (Heb. 12:2 Amp)

When a heart receives eternal salvation by accepting the sacrifice of Christ’s blood, righteousness is imparted into each heart, along with the seedling of faith. In order for that seedling to blossom and grow, it needs watering and, well, er, fertilizer.

What does the Bible say about the process through which faith grows?

James said, “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” (James 1:2-4 NLT)

* From the opening verse, the word ‘Finisher’ also means consummator, perfecter, completer, One who has in his own person raised faith to its perfection and so set before us the highest example of faith.

If Jesus is the Leader, Source, and Example of our faith, do we allow Him to put His finishing touches on our faith? Do we go through the testing trials of life with our eyes of faith on Him or on the afflictions?

Have you ever read Hebrews 11? I love that chapter. Of all the tribulations and heartaches that mankind has endured, this chapter tells me that, no matter what happens in life, I can make it. And so can you.

So, from the faith displayed in one suffering, it is built up and performed in the next circumstance. And so we live, as Paul tells us, “The just shall live by faith.” (Rom. 1:17b NKJV)

Does Jesus have say to us as He did to the disciples, “Where is your faith?” (Luke 8:25b NKJV) Are our eyes turned toward Him? Reminds me of the old hymn Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus…

“Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.” Amen!

May your eyes behold the glorious face of your Saviour, as His light dims the harshness of your afflictions, and may you know that the Lord is the Author and Finisher of your faith.