WISDOM FOR LIVING DAILY DEVOTIONAL
JANUARY 23, 2026
TOPIC: LOOKING UNTO THE AUTHOR AND FINISHER OF YOUR FAITH
BY T. O. BANSO
“Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2 New King James Version).
The first month of the New Year is almost gone. As you continue in the year, remember what the Bible says in Hebrews 12:2: “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (New King James Version). Regardless of what happens, don’t take your eyes off Jesus, the author and finisher of your faith.
In the New King James Version, the word author is used only three times: 1 Corinthians 14:33, Hebrews 5:9, and Hebrews 12:2. 1 Corinthians 14:33 says, “For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints” (New King James Version). The word “author” in this scripture has no direct equivalent in the Greek text. The word (author) was added by the translator for better reading and understanding in English.
Whenever you read a word in italics in the King James Version and New King James Version, note that the use of italics is to indicate that the word is not in the original text, but the translators added it for the purpose I’ve stated.
In Hebrews 5:9, the Bible says, “And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him” (New King James Version). The Greek word translated as “author” is aitios, meaning “a causer” i.e. initiator.
In English, one of the meanings of the word author (verb) is to cause something. Jesus is the “causer” of our eternal salvation. Salvation would not have been possible without Him. He laid down His life to save us. “He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins” (Colossians 1:13-14 New King James Version).
However, the use of the word author in Hebrews 12:2 is different from the meaning in 1 Corinthians 14:33 and Hebrews 5:9. “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2 New King James Version).
The Greek word translated author in Hebrews 12:2, in the New King James Version, is archegos. It means founder/pioneer or “a person who is originator or founder of a movement and continues as the leader” (HELPS Word-studies). In the context of Hebrews 12:2, Jesus is the originator or founder of our faith and continues as our leader. He is the one you should look to as you continue this year; don’t be moved by situations and circumstances. He saved your soul because you put your trust in Him; you should also put your faith in Him for everything. You must depend on Him because without Him, you can do nothing (John 15:5).
In Hebrews 12:2, another word used to describe Jesus is the finisher. He is the author and finisher of our faith. Look unto Him as the finisher this year and always. Significantly, the word finisher appears only one time in the New King James Version – in Hebrews 12:2 alone.
The Greek word translated as finisher is teleiótés, meaning “a completer, i.e. Consummater – finisher” (Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance). Jesus is the founder/pioneer and “consummater”, completer, or perfecter of our faith. He is the originator and accomplisher of our faith. Jesus patiently and voluntarily endured the cross and despised the shame.
Before the Finisher breathed His last, He said, “It is finished!” (John 19:30b New King James Version). It is finished is teleo in Greek, meaning to “Complete, execute, conclude, discharge (a debt) — accomplish, make an end, expire, fill up, finish, go over, pay, perform” (Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance). Look unto Jesus who is seated now at the right hand of the Father. Hallelujah!
Philippians 2:9-11 says, “Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (New King James Version).
Look unto Jesus. Psalm 34:5 says, “They looked to Him and were radiant, and their faces were not ashamed” (New King James Version). Look unto Jesus. The prophet Micah says, “Therefore I will look to the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me” (Micah 7:7 King James Version).
Just as you looked unto Jesus for the salvation of your soul, look unto Him also for your healing, protection, deliverance, provision, and for everything. Put your trust in Jesus. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6 New King James Version).
The psalmist says, “Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their masters, as the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the Lord our God, until He has mercy on us” (Psalm 123:2 New King James Version). Don’t replace God with any man in your life. Look unto Jesus. That’s where your help is. He is always ready to help in times of trouble – a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1).
The author and finisher of your faith will see you through. His presence shall go with you. The Finisher will empower you to finish well. David said in Psalm 138:8, “The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever; do not forsake the works of Your hands” (New King James Version). The LORD will perfect this year for you and everything that concerns you.
The New Living Translation puts Psalm 138:8 this way: “The Lord will work out his plans for my life—for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever. Don’t abandon me, for you made me.” The author and finisher of your faith will work out His plans for your life; you shall not fail. Look unto Him.
TAKE ACTION!
If you are not born again, you must give your heart to Jesus now. Please take the following steps: *Admit that you are a sinner and you cannot save yourself, and repent of your sins. *Confess Jesus as your Lord and Saviour. *Renounce your past way of life – your relationship with the devil and his works. *Invite Jesus into your heart. *As a mark of seriousness to mature in the faith, start attending a Bible-believing, Bible-teaching, and Bible-practising church. There, they will teach you how to grow in the Kingdom of God.
Kindly say this prayer now: O Lord God, I come unto You today. I know I am a sinner, and I cannot save myself. I believe that Jesus is the Son of God who died on the cross to save me, and God raised Him on the third day. I repent of my sins and confess Jesus as my Lord and Saviour. I invite Jesus into my heart. By this prayer, I know I am saved. Thank You, Jesus, for saving me and making me a child of God.
I believe you have said this prayer from your heart. Congratulations! You must join a Bible-believing, Bible-teaching, and Bible-practising church where they will teach you how to live your new life in Christ Jesus. I pray that you flourish like a palm tree and grow like a cedar of Lebanon. May you grow into Christ in all things and become all God wants you to be. I will be glad to hear from you. The Lord be with you.
PRAYER POINTS: Lord Jesus, I will look unto You alone. I will follow your leadership and guidance. I have started 2026 in the name of Jesus Christ, and I will finish it in His name. By the power of the author and finisher of my faith, I will go through the year by faith and overcome. Father, add what is lacking in my life and make it full. Let Your purpose for my life be fulfilled.
(For over 900 in-depth and powerful messages by T. O. Banso, visit www.cedarministry.org).
T. O. Banso is the President of Cedar Ministry International, Abuja, Nigeria.
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