Thanks to Sean Feeney for the incredible featured photo. Look for more of his work in today’s devotional.
I have set Yahweh always before me.
Because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
Psalm 16:8 (WEB)
The east coast of the U.S. is home to a diminutive and elusive owl. The Eastern Screech Owl is not the smallest owl in the world. However, it is one of the smallest owls in North America. Its favorite place to nest is in the hollowed-out trunk of an old tree. (Just for fun, do a search on the Elf owl.)
Can you believe it? A mob of sweet songbirds can actually chase our little predator away from his home.
These small, beautiful birds, like the Chickadee, can gather en masse. They do so noisily and skillfully.
However, this doesn’t always end well for the Chickadees. If the owl decides to fight back, there can be casualties.
That brings us to our Bible study for today.
Distraction.
See what you think about this story. It’s one you may know well but be patient.
Distractions of busyness.
In Luke 10:38-42, we find the familiar story of Mary and Martha.
You probably remember that Mary was listening attentively to Jesus as He taught her and the disciples. But Martha was overwhelmed with busyness. She was passing up an opportunity to enhance her walk with God.
She exchanged this moment with Jesus for temporary distractions.
Jesus helped her to understand the importance of guarding against such distractions. Look what the Savior told her.
“… Mary has chosen the good part, which will not be taken away from her.”
Luke 10:42 (WEB)
Distractions of fear and anxiety.
John the Baptist knew the reality of terror. Alone in an evil king’s prison he wondered if his devotion to Jesus was right. For a moment John experienced a crisis of faith.
Have you ever had moments like that?
Certainly, every believer has.
John sent his followers to ask Jesus two simple questions. Matthew 11:2-6
“Are you he who comes, or should we look for another?”
Fright is so hard.
Most often, we have no control over the cause of our fears.
Look at the Savior’s kind reply.
“Go and tell John the things which you hear and see: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them…”
Matthew 11:2-6 (WEB)
Think about that answer. Jesus encouraged John with proof of faith. There could have been nothing worse for John than to have given everything for a fable.
The distraction of fear was replaced with mercy from a Savior who faced it daily. The shadow of the cross, which rightly belonged to mankind, loomed for the innocent Lord.
Distractions that rob eternal life.
Acts 26:28-31
Agrippa said to Paul, “With a little persuasion are you trying to make me a Christian?”
Read Agrippa’s story. He foolishly gave in to the distraction of procrastination.
The Bible tells us that when we have heard the invitation of redemption that is the time to receive this free gift. Hebrews 3:7-8
Distraction of empty religion.
Below is a passage about a conversation between Jesus and the Pharisees. They were distracted by greed, dishonesty, and hypocrisy.
Let your eyes look straight ahead.
Fix your gaze directly before you.
Make the path of your feet level.
Let all of your ways be established.
Don’t turn to the right hand nor to the left.
Remove your foot from evil.
Proverbs 4:25-27 (WEB)
There is an old hymn that I love. It clarifies Christs’ desire for those who love Him. That desire is to focus on Him-our Savior, Redeemer and Friend.
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.1
How beautiful
are the feet of those
who share the Good News!
Isaiah 52:7 (Paraphrased)
World English Bible (WEB)
by Public Domain. The name “World English Bible” is trademarked.
- Helen Lemmel
“Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus”
Ca. 1922 ↩︎
Getting the Seed out of the basket and into hungry hearts. Matthew 13 