If you have ever traveled in a motor vehicle you know the importance of complete focus. Just one minute or a split second of distraction can end in disaster. Distractions can completely take us off the course that we have set our life on. Before Peter, (Jesus’ disciple) received the Spirit of God, he was constantly distracted. The story of him walking on water, or rather sinking, is commonly known around the world.
The example we will look at today is when the Bible describes Peter being taken up on a high mountain by the Lord Jesus. On that mountain Jesus was transfigured and what was meant to be Peter’s opportunity to witness something extraordinary, went off track when he received an idea:
“Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.””
Matthew 17:1-4
At that moment the light, the appearance of Elijah and Moses and all that was happening around him became a distraction for Peter from what was truly important; Jesus. But immediately he had the opportunity to get back on track.
“While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!””
Matthew 17:5
Distractions today are not up on a high mountain. Today it is easy to forget to read the Bible, to pray and have our moments with God, because distractions are face-to-face with us every day. Whether it be the hustle and bustle of life, the things going on in our family, the constant access to the entire world via social media. There are distractions all around us and while it is not wrong to take care of our responsibilities in life, we cannot allow anything to take God’s place in our life.
Maybe you have been realizing that things have become out of place, you’ve become distracted by things going on in your life and God is no longer in first place. This is a wakeup call – an opportunity for you to make room for God in your life once again and if you have never had one, this is a chance for you to hear the voice of God’s beloved Son.
May the God of the Bible bless you!
Bishop Bira Joshua
