I recently started training my puppy, Archie, in training. He is doing so well! When it is just me and him, he behaves excellently. He listens and obeys quickly. As soon as distractions get in the way, like another dog or a squirrel, it is as if he has never learned anything. He will not sit or come, much to my chagrin. I am confident that his training and obedience will continue to get better so that he will not be distracted any time a dog comes by. After all, he is a puppy. I must admit that it is sometimes cute and humorous when he chases a squirrel or barks at another dog. It is not so cute when we, adults, behave like my young puppy, constantly distracted by things of this world instead of focusing on what truly matters.
We read in Luke 21 that even Jesus’ disciples became distracted from what was most important. In this chapter of Luke, Jesus and His disciples were in the temple in Jerusalem. While they were there, some of the disciples started "talking about the majestic stonework of the Temple and the memorial decorations on the walls" (verse 5). As they marveled over the beauty of the temple, which was majestic, Jesus reminded them of what was most important. He told them, "The time is coming when all these things will be completely demolished. Not one stone will be left on top of another!" (verse 6). While these disciples admired the grand temple, Jesus reminded them that physical buildings, even buildings as special as the temple, will not last forever. Even more, this world will not last forever. What will last forever is Jesus and His kingdom. As a result, we need to focus on what really matters instead of getting distracted by worldly things. We need to not be so focused on physical things and the things of this world that will fade away. These things will keep us from living for what matters most.
What is distracting you from what really matters? Is it status, wealth, your comfort zone, or something else? It is time today to stop letting these temporary, earthly things and focus on what truly matters: Christ and His kingdom. We can be confident of this: This world is fading away, but Christ and His kingdom never will.
Confess anything that has been distracting you from Christ and His kingdom. Acknowledge that these areas have caused you to lose your focus on what matters most: Him and the things of Him. Thank Him for the truth that His kingdom will never end.
21 While Jesus was in the Temple, he watched the rich people dropping their gifts in the collection box. 2 Then a poor widow came by and dropped in two small coins.
3 “I tell you the truth,” Jesus said, “this poor widow has given more than all the rest of them. 4 For they have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.”
Jesus Speaks about the Future
5 Some of his disciples began talking about the majestic stonework of the Temple and the memorial decorations on the walls. But Jesus said, 6 “The time is coming when all these things will be completely demolished. Not one stone will be left on top of another!”
7 “Teacher,” they asked, “when will all this happen? What sign will show us that these things are about to take place?”
8 He replied, “Don’t let anyone mislead you, for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and saying, ‘The time has come!’ But don’t believe them. 9 And when you hear of wars and insurrections, don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place first, but the end won’t follow immediately.” 10 Then he added, “Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 There will be great earthquakes, and there will be famines and plagues in many lands, and there will be terrifying things and great miraculous signs from heaven.
12 “But before all this occurs, there will be a time of great persecution. You will be dragged into synagogues and prisons, and you will stand trial before kings and governors because you are my followers. 13 But this will be your opportunity to tell them about me. 14 So don’t worry in advance about how to answer the charges against you, 15 for I will give you the right words and such wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to reply or refute you! 16 Even those closest to you—your parents, brothers, relatives, and friends—will betray you. They will even kill some of you. 17 And everyone will hate you because you are my followers. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish! 19 By standing firm, you will win your souls.
20 “And when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then you will know that the time of its destruction has arrived. 21 Then those in Judea must flee to the hills. Those in Jerusalem must get out, and those out in the country should not return to the city. 22 For those will be days of God’s vengeance, and the prophetic words of the Scriptures will be fulfilled. 23 How terrible it will be for pregnant women and for nursing mothers in those days. For there will be disaster in the land and great anger against this people. 24 They will be killed by the sword or sent away as captives to all the nations of the world. And Jerusalem will be trampled down by the Gentiles until the period of the Gentiles comes to an end.
25 “And there will be strange signs in the sun, moon, and stars. And here on earth the nations will be in turmoil, perplexed by the roaring seas and strange tides. 26 People will be terrified at what they see coming upon the earth, for the powers in the heavens will be shaken. 27 Then everyone will see the Son of Man coming on a cloud with power and great glory. 28 So when all these things begin to happen, stand and look up, for your salvation is near!”
