Distorted Distractions

Based on Deuteronomy 16-18, Mark 13:1-20

As I was reading the Scriptures for today's reading, I realized that distractions aren't simply "other options" that we choose sometimes...they are distorted to be important...we end up prioritizing them over what really matters...they are meant to deceive us in such a way that we forget the goal we were striving for, especially God...distractions are so much more than what they seem, so we can't give into them!

"Thou shalt not plant thee a grove of any trees near unto the altar of the Lord thy God, which thou shalt make thee." Deuteronomy 16:21.

Trees seem harmless, right? So what if there were a few trees by the altar? Well, it doesn't take humans long to worship the earth, anything upon the earth for that matter...especially a grove so close to the altar of The Lord! It was a tree with fruit which enticed Eve (with the help of the serpent), and many people ended up worshipping groves of trees back then. Seems odd, but we all have many things we value...some even that, if we are not careful, pull our attention & focus away from God. Trees could grow tall, distort & ultimately distract us from that altar. That place of humility with God. Our hearts can take a turn for the worst if we allow that to happen!

"And as he went out of the temple, one of his disciples saith unto him, Master, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here! And Jesus answering said unto him, Seest thou these great buildings? there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down." Mark 13:1‭-‬2.

As trees, buildings are tall. In this case, they grabbed the attention of this disciple right after leaving the temple, the place of worship. Buildings can sometimes be a dangerous reminder of the work we can do in our own strength & power (the tower of Babel, for instance!). One of the disciples tried to impress Jesus with the buildings and handiwork of men, but this disciple was just distracted by the distorted magnificence of the place.

That's not to say everything we do is bad or worthless, but the things we do when we let God into the picture are so much better! Jesus' response here shows us the power of God, and how His power overpowers all we try to do in our own pride! Jesus was referencing what will happen at the end of the world...always bringing us back to that eternal perspective, instead of worshipping the here & now. Let's strive for God's goals together to stay on course and REALLY build something great!