Urgent versus Important
Mark 8:16-17, 20
16 They discussed this with one another and said, “It is because we have no bread.”
17 Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked them: “Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened?
20 “And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?” They answered, “Seven.”
OBSERVATION
One’s mind is shaped and led by what he considers important and critical. More often than not, everything begins to be looked upon through the lens of priority. Jesus’ disciples mistook His comments regarding the Pharisees and Herod - warnings against the influence or pressure exerted by them - to mean that the disciples failed in logistics – poor load plans for not packing enough bread. They had one loaf. In their defense, Jesus’ disciples did have to contend with rudimentary tasks of food and water because someone had to acquire them. In their days, being able to feed yourself and others was laborious. But there is a difference between ensuring provisioning for basic necessities of daily care and feeding and being overly focused on daily tasks to the point where it consumes you.
The point that Jesus was making was especially critical because the conversation is taking place subsequent to the feeding of the four thousand by Jesus with seven loaves of bread. Did the disciples not think that somehow Jesus wouldn’t be able to feed the thirteen of them with one loaf?
Jesus asks us to focus on the important – God’s truth in life - and not on the urgent – what do we have to eat? Our approach to life shows, then, that we trust in God for our provisions as well as life’s priorities.
APPLICATION
Be equipped with a lens of God’s priorities so that we can focus on the important, eternal issues of salvation, loving God and our family and neighbors.
PRAYER
Father God, I praise your name. Your name is great. Help me to see the important things in life, not the urgent. Cleanse my heart so that I am able to hear and discern your voice and will. Bless and protect Michael – would you guide his path in the Army. Bless and protect Joshua as he strives to do well in school. Watch over him during the Spring break. Guide and pour joy in to Daniel. Give peace and assurance to Christine.