Seventh-Day Adventist Devotional For Children: “Fix Your Eyes On Jesus”

DAILY BREAD – DEVOTIONAL FOR CHILDREN

EASTERN NIGERIA UNION CONFERENCE CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES

Thursday, December 21, 2023

Title: Fix your eyes on Jesus

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2

As children of God, we are all running a race. But sometimes, we can get weighed down by things that slow us down or distract us from our goal. These things are like heavy clothes that we need to take off so we can run faster and easier. We also need to be careful not to get tangled up in sin, which can trip us up and make us fall.
But we don’t have to run this race alone. We have a great cloud of witnesses cheering us on, including Jesus himself. He is the one who showed us how to run the race with perseverance and faith. He endured the cross, even though it was painful and shameful, because he knew that it was the only way to save us from our sins.
So let’s fix our eyes on Jesus, just like a runner focuses on the finish line. Let’s keep our eyes on him and follow his example, even when it’s hard. And let’s remember that the joy set before us is eternal life with him in heaven.

Thought for reflection: Take some time to think about what is hindering you from running the race of faith. What are some things that weigh you down or distract you from following Jesus? How can you take them off or avoid them? Pray and ask God to help you let go of those things and to give you the strength to persevere. Then, make a plan to keep your eyes fixed on Jesus and to follow him more closely.

Song
O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free!

Refrain
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.

Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for surrounding us with a great cloud of witnesses who encourage and inspire us. Help us to throw off anything that hinders us from running the race of life with perseverance. May we fix our eyes on Jesus, who endured the cross for us, and find strength and joy in following Him. Guide us, Lord, as we strive to live a life that pleases You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.