Keeping Focus

There is a lot of preoccupation in the readings today, a lot of issues that kept folks from focusing on God and God’s work in the world.

2 Samuel 14:21-33
The relationship between Absalom and David rivals the plots of most daytime soap operas. Burning the field of Joab in order to get the man’s attention strikes me as harsh. But it worked, and Absalom finally got an audience with his father. If Absalom had spent half that energy and imagination seeking God’s will in his life, think what he could have accomplished. But instead he was preoccupied with other matters.

Acts 21:15-26
The elders in Jerusalem warned Paul about the reputation he had developed among those who might try to do him harm. It was said that Paul led Jews away from the law of Moses. The elders suggested that Paul participate in a rite of purification so as to demonstrate his righteousness and disprove the rumors. Had the people of Jerusalem concentrated on what God was doing in Paul, think of what could have been accomplished. But instead they were preoccupied with other matters.

Mark 10:17-31
The man who approached Jesus and asked how to inherit eternal life was saddened by what Jesus told him. “You lack one thing; go, sell what you own, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me” (v. 21). According to Mark, “When he heard this, he was shocked and went away grieving, for he had many possessions” (v. 22). In other words he was preoccupied with what he had and was unable to focus on his relationship with God and with others.