Rivet Our Eyes

A rivet is a short metal bolt that holds together two plates of metal.  It is beaten down and pressed into place sometimes using heat.  To think about riveting our eyes using this definition is not a pleasant thought.  However, I love it when thinking of the seriousness of keeping our eyes "fixed" on Christ.

John MacArthur in his commentary on Hebrews uses the word when explaining Hebrews 12:2.  He says, "the world has always mocked faith, just as they mocked Jesus' faith...  But in faith, Jesus "endured the cross, despising the shame."  Why should we not also trust God in everything, since we have not begun to suffer what Jesus suffered?  Jesus has set such a high example of faith that it is on His example that we should 'rivet' our eyes for as long as we live...it is imperative that we fix our eyes on Jesus."

Some chapters ahead as Dr. MacArthur discusses 12:12, "the hands that are weak and knees that are feeble", he explains the importance of "not concentrating on our own weaknesses but to help strengthen other Christians in theirs.  One of the surest ways to be encouraged ourselves is to give encouragement to someone else, 'encouraging one another; and all the more, as you see the day drawing near' (Hebrews 10:25).  One of the best ways to keep continuing is to encourage others to continue."

"'And make straight paths for your feet' refers to staying in your own lane in the race.  When you get out of your lane, you not only disqualify yourself but often interfere with other runners.  A runner never intentionally gets out of his lane; he only does so when he is distracted or careless, when he loses his concentration on the goal, or when fatigue robs him of the will to win."

This brings us full circle to the "riveted eyes".  Proverbs 4:25-27 as reference by Dr. MacArthur, says, "Let your eyes look directly ahead and let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you.  Watch the path of your feet, and all your ways will be established.  Do not turn to the right nor to the left; turn your foot from evil".  

We must wake up daily and fix our eyes on Christ and keep them there throughout the day.  This sounds like something to which we do the adjusting in order to get the right focus.  But the only way for this to be our lifestyle is by a humble bowing of the head moment by moment and pray for the our God to keep our eyes "riveted" on Him.  Only then can we honor and glorify His great name.