My familiar Text Verse tonight is Hebrews 12:2 … “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.”

By the way, this verb is not a command, not here in our Bible! But it certainly is essential advice for anyone interested in growing to maturity in Christ.

The word actually seems pretty simple, “looking!”

But its etymology, its history, is quite informative.

It is a blend of two Greek words, one a preposition.

“Apo” and “horao,” again from the Greek of the New Testament.

It initially (and shockingly at first) means “to look away!”

Yes, “apo” means “away from.”

And “horao” means “to look,” especially with interest and purpose! Eagerly looking!

Now let’s combine the two halves of “looking unto” in our Hebrews 12:2 Text.

Here it is …

LOOKING AWAY FROM OTHER THINGS … THEN LOOKING INTENTLY TOWARD YOUR FOCUS!

Looking away from the world, from its distractions, from its trivia!

And looking intently toward the Lord Jesus Christ!

Good advice indeed!

Be occupied with Christ Jesus today!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

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