03
Undivided Attention
Jon Burgess“Jesus gave them this answer: “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.” John 5:19
When Jesus healed the paralytic at the pool of Bethesda He wasn't performing a random miracle on a whim. Scripture tells us that "when he heard" that this man had been an invalid for 38 years He was moved to do something about it. Jesus wasn't just listening to information about the needs around Him, He was listening for the Father's leading. The needs around were plenty and overwhelming but Jesus was being led in a specific way by The Father. Jesus wasn't about to be distracted by the protests of the religious leaders for healing on the Sabbath. If this is what the Father was doing Jesus was going to do it with Him! The Son was giving The Father his undivided attention revealing an undivided heart.
As the plane began to pull away from the tarmac here in Eugene Oregon this morning, the Flight Attendants asked for three minutes of undivided attention as they reviewed the flight safety card on United Flight 1175. It was a tough crowd. Many of us were already nodding off to sleep as it was an early morning flight. Those who weren't asleep had already put their earbuds in and were listening to something other then her instructions. I mean, what's the point? We've heard this all before, especially if we travel for work. Yet, it was this very thinking that caused the Pharisees to completely miss the Messiah standing right in front of them. Jesus gave The Father his undivided attention but the religious leaders were distracted by their assumptions, traditions, and repetitions. “You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life.” (John 5:39-40). They had heard it all before. They had it all figured out. They missed what The Father was doing right in front of them. I can only imagine how frustrating this was for Jesus. Couldn't they just give Him three minutes of undivided attention before they zoned out or attacked Him? So, I removed my earbuds and listened carefully as the flight attendant pointed out the nearest exit to my seat. She showed me how to use the oxygen mask and floatation devices in case of an emergency. I hope I never have to use the knowledge she shared with me, but if I do, I sure am glad I was paying attention. This simple pause from my electronic devices will ensure that I have perspective and direction in the midst of the panic. I don't want to miss a thing!
I've been a Christian for most of my life. I've taken a lot of flights with You Lord. I pray that rather then giving you less attention I would give You more! That I wouldn't zone out when You are speaking. That I wouldn't assume that the way we did ministry last week is the way You are working this week. I pray there would be nothing wrote or religious about the way I follow You! That I wouldn't shut down because of overwhelming need or ignore Your leading simply because I might get push-back from those around me. You are speaking. You are leading. Let me be listening and obeying. I'm giving You my undivided attention no matter how much I think I've heard it all before. Whatever You are showing me is preparation for what happens next!
