Maintain Focus
But Jesus answered them, saying, “The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified. John 12:23
Focus is important in any mission in life. It can be easy to get distracted with the cares that this world offers on a daily basis. Something as simple as an unplanned circumstance or even a discouraging report can knock you off course. It can take days to get back on track after a crisis hits and opposition is always a possibility when navigating this life.
In today’s reading, Jesus disciples brought Him the message that there were certain Greeks asking to see and talk with Him. I don’t know if Jesus saw this news as a sign or prediction that the end was near, or even if He heard them. His response indicated that He was focused on what was about to happen and His purpose for coming into the world. He didn’t even acknowledge the news about the visitor. In fact, His response most certainly took them by surprise.
He answered the disciples by saying “unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone. But when it dies, it produces much grain.” I am positive that the disciples were stunned at this response. Not because it was so profound and deep, only because they had no idea what He was talking about, again. I can just imagine them standing there processing Jesus’ words as He continued with: “He who loves his life will lose it and he who hates his life in this world will keep it. Anyone who serves Me must follow Me and where I am, there my servant will be also.”
The disciples were undoubtedly confused and a little frustrated. Now what were they supposed to tell the Greeks that were waiting to talk with Him? They couldn’t go back and say: “Jesus said unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone.” That doesn’t even make sense. What they didn’t realize was that Jesus was already preparing His heart for His mission on the cross. He was not being distracted by the visiting Greeks or even the feast that they had come there to celebrate. He knew what His assignment was and as the day was approaching, He pressed in to get ready and get His team set up for what was about to go down.
What about you and me? What are we doing today to prepare for our mission ahead. Are we pressing in for direction and details or are we distracted by activities and holiday celebrations. Events and festivals have their place, but the most important thing is that we are getting our assignment each day and walking out the purpose each one of us has been called to. Don’t let the distractions of this world and life steal your attention away from what is really important. Instead, determine to keep your focus on His planned path and walk in His grace to complete your journey.
Today I want to encourage you to set quiet time aside to press into the call of God on your life. Take time to listen with your spirit to the things His Spirit is leading you to. Write out the plan or at least some details that He puts on your heart today. Whether it is for this time or sometime in the future, you will find it easier to keep the course if you put your notes in a place that you can review them often. Then when the not so good days come along, and they will, read over those plans and reinforce them in your heart to maintain your focus. He will always be leading you to your next step, but it is up to you to take the time to get it.
Today’s scripture reading: John 12:20-26
20 Now there were certain Greeks among those who came up to worship at the feast.
21 Then they came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and asked him, saying, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.”
22 Philip came and told Andrew, and in turn Andrew and Philip told Jesus.
23 But Jesus answered them, saying, “The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified.
24 Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain.
25 He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.
26 If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.
The Daily Dose 