Look to Me' (Isaiah 45:22)
The sermon emphasizes the importance of fixing our eyes on Jesus for salvation and sanctification, and giving Him our full attention in every circumstance of life.
Anne Ortlund emphasizes the importance of fixing our eyes on Jesus for salvation and sanctification, highlighting the tendency to be consumed by our own worries, fears, and shortcomings. She acknowledges the struggle of being meticulous and conscientious, leading to fussiness and obnoxious behavior, but finds peace and joy in repentance and refocusing on Jesus. Ortlund reminds believers to constantly seek salvation from their own struggles and to gaze upon the eternal, triumphant Lord Jesus Christ for answers and guidance in every circumstance of life.
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I crawled into bed last night thinking about Ray's news, that a fellow is going to do a few guest-speaker spots on Ray's Haven of Rest broadcast. Ray was still in the bathroom, but I called in loudly to him, "Did you tell him it's to renew and encourage believers? We don't want somebody ranting and raving over social issues and controversies. Does he understand Haven's flavor?"
Ray came around the corner and got into bed. "Don't be such a fusser, Anne. Why are you fussing?"
We hugged each other and I bellowed in his ear, "What do you mean, fuss? I never fuss! It's totally contrary to my gentle, mellow nature to fuss!" And we laughed ourselves silly. (It's great living together after the kids are gone. You can scream and yell and do what you want.)
Of course we both knew my natural inclination is to fuss. I'm conscientious and meticulous and I'm always anticipating how to cover details. Though I've been a Christian for many years, I can still fuss; I can be really obnoxious. Then it's baack to repenting and refocusing my eyes on Jesus - and I'm once more relaxed and happy.
You see, the Lord says to you and me continually,
Look unto me, and be ye saved . . . For I am God, and there is none else (Isaiah 45:22, KJV).
I need constantly to be saved from myself. Do you? Do you need to be saved from
your fears,
your angers,
your bad memories,
your orneryness,
your addictions,
your temptations to escape instead of to conquer,
your lusts,
your depressions,
your laziness?
Says Hebrews 12:2, "Fix your eyes on Jesus."
Maybe you're more absorbed in looking at people, to save you from yourself.
But God says,
"Man . . . is of few days and full of trouble . . . .
Like a fleeting shadow, he does not endure.
Do you fix your eyes on such a one?" (Job 14:1-3)
No, no we mustn't.
"Lord," said Peter, "to whom else shall we go? You have the words of eternal life" (John 6:68).
Listen:
Whether you aren't yet a Christian,
Or you're a new one,
Or you've walked with Him a long time --
The only eternal, universal, triumphant, ever-contemporary Lord Jesus Christ (the One with the scars in His hands) commands, "Give Me your full attention. I myself, and I only, hold the answers for every circumstance of your life. Fix your eyes on Me."
It's the look that saves, but it's the gaze that sanctifies.
Sermon Outline
- The Need to Be Saved
- 'The Solution: Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus'
- 'The Call to Action: Give Him Our Full Attention'
- Look to Him for salvation
- Gaze on Him for sanctification
Key Quotes
“Look unto me, and be ye saved . . . For I am God, and there is none else (Isaiah 45:22, KJV)” — Anne Ortlund
“Fix your eyes on Jesus.” — Anne Ortlund
“It's the look that saves, but it's the gaze that sanctifies.” — Anne Ortlund
Application Points
- Make a conscious effort to fix your eyes on Jesus throughout the day, seeking His guidance and strength in every circumstance.
- Recognize that Jesus has the answers for every situation in your life, and seek Him for guidance and wisdom.
- Give God your full attention, and let Him transform your life through His power and presence.