The Dilemma of Distraction
Soul Snack 58/12 ... The Dilemma of Distraction
Bellies full and minds in wonderment sat and pondered their poor evening and impossible morning.
These seven disciples were miraculously with the resurrected Jesus - their beachside chef. He had over supplied their needs, and astonished them as He also 'dished-up' forgiveness, mercy and resultant restoration. These blessings were all enshrined in Jesus' thrice repeated invitation to Peter ... feed my sheep.
Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved (John) was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, "Lord, who is going to betray you?"). When Peter saw him, he asked, "Lord, what about him?" Jesus answered, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me." (John 21:20-22)
Amazingly the apostle Peter' could still turn and quickly became distracted. Instantly his thoughts are removed from:
- a failed fishing trip that only Jesus could make successful,
- a breakfast with Jesus as the chef feeding His own sheep,
- his gracious and generous restoration from Jesus and
- the fact he was only one of seven invited to breakfast by Jesus (a most elite group) to THE most important breakfast in history.
Immediately his distractible humanity was yet again evident. Immediately Peter needed his Master's re-direction. Immediately he had become more focussed on the apostle John, even though Jesus had just done so much for him and was still with him.
John's future could have been a tantalising distraction so Jesus re-focussed Peter without delay... you must follow me. Is there ever another choice?
Even the close, the forgiven, the restored, the called and the devoted can still be distracted from Jesus... BUT the focus still remains the same you must follow me.
Today's Soul Snippet:
What you learn from life is far more important than what you earn in life.