A Pain In My Neck
I was at the chiropractor a few days ago for an ongoing spasm in my neck. As he was evaluating me, he asked how much time I spend staring down at a screen. He told me he asks this question because the human head is heavy and was not designed to spend hours a day looking down.
This is a great diagnostic tool for the body and soul.
Martin Luther described sin as “incurvatus in se” or “curved in on oneself,” thus turning us away from God and others.
The letter of Hebrews says, “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus” (Heb.12:2) and then directs our attention to Jesus on the cross.
Jesus said about himself, “And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself” (Jn. 12:32). He was referring to his coming crucifixion.
My chiropractor has given me a series of exercises that involve me looking up and away from my phone. With enough time and repetitions, my neck will begin to heal, which is wonderful.
But Jesus offers us a far greater healing than a limber neck. Jesus offers us a healing of the soul that only comes by the lifting of our heads and the fixing of our eyes, not upon ourselves, but on the Crucified Christ.
Today, I invite you to PAUSE with me as we slowly lift our physical and spiritual eyes to gaze upon Jesus.
As we begin, take a few breaths in and out and pray,
“Holy Spirit, as I enter this PAUSE I invite you to begin to lift my gaze to Jesus.”
Begin by looking down at your chest. As you gaze inward, begin to confess to God how this inward posture has affected your relationship with God and with others this past week.
PAUSE and CONFESS.
Now, slowly lift your gaze and look straight ahead. What do you see? Who do you see?
As your vision shifts pray,
“Holy Spirit, as I shift my physical gaze upward, may you begin to shift my spiritual gaze from myself to others. Give me eyes to see how I can love and serve the people around me.”
PAUSE and LISTEN.
What is God saying to you?
Now, lift your gaze upwards. As high as you can look. Imagine you are at the foot of Jesus’ cross. As you look upon Jesus, he looks down at you, and with compassion in his dying eyes, he cries out, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).
PAUSE and RECEIVE the forgiveness of sins, the healing of your soul, that only Jesus can give to you.
Brothers and sisters, may we continue to fix our eyes upon Jesus as we go about the rest of our day.
Grace and Peace
To receive the Mid-Week Pause in your inbox each week, please subscribe to our newsletter below.
