Perhaps we have experienced catching something, only to have it get away. Consider the small child who excitedly catches a grasshopper, only to have it hop away as they open their hand to see the little creature. Life is filled with experiences of seeing things that catch the attention but of which the grasp is soon lost. As this can be the case with physical things, so it can also be with the spiritual. In Jesus’ parable of the sower we find seed that germinated and sprang up only to die away because it was not sufficiently rooted. (Mark 4:5-6) Jesus explained that as representing those who caught the message — who “immediately receive it with joy” — but did not hold onto it for long. (Mark 4:16-17)
Further on in Mark we read the account of Jesus returning to His hometown of Nazareth. There He caught the attention of many, but were they thoroughly captivated by Him? Was their focus properly held for very long? We read their reaction as follows:
“(2) And on the Sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get these things? What is the wisdom given to him? How are such mighty works done by his hands? (3) Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him.” (Mark 6:2-3 ESV)
They asked the “where”, the “what”, and the “how” because of the extraordinary things surrounding the actions and words of Jesus. The things He did initially “astonished” the people, but they ended up taking “offense” at Him. Though they were amazed by His wisdom and mighty works, their mistaken familiarity with Jesus (knowing His earthly family) kept them from accepting Him as anything more than one who had grown up in the family of a carpenter. Even after their eyes were lifted by the extraordinary, they soon rested their focus on the ordinary and failed to grasp Jesus beyond that. And Jesus “marveled” at their unbelief. (Mark 6:6)
Has Jesus gained our attention? To what extent and for how long? Have we truly been convicted by the reality He is the Son of God and our only Savior? (John 14:6; Acts 4:12)
Let us keep. . .
“(2) looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2 ESV)
Having caught our attention, may Jesus continue to hold our focus as we build our life on the truth in Him, allowing Him to continue the process of perfecting our faith that transcends this life into an eternity with Him.
Have a great day WITH FOCUS FIRMLY FIXED ON JESUS!
Carl
