Rediscover His Light

Distractions do not have to be bad, wrong or evil. A distraction can be anything that pulls attention away from primary objectives. Distractions do, however, tend to interfere with our commitments to significant others, Christ Jesus and ourselves. Distractions can appear by invitation and serve as an excuse to discard what God intended for us to pursue.

 

There was something about the little town of Shechem that caught Jacob’s attention. He evidently saw opportunity in Shechem, but in God’s plan, there was a better place for him to settle. God's heart is saddened when we choose less than his purpose for us. Worse still is choosing what is disastrous.

Jacob's decision to stop at Shechem would bring heartbreak. He observed his children experience issues that would affect their lives indefinitely. Yet Jesus is our Redeemer and is faithful to seek and to save all who have gone astray and are lost. Jesus is the Light that never goes out. His light can be rediscovered when we seek it with all our heart. 

Sidetracked by Distractions

God has a superior plan for each person that is assured to bring contentment, thanksgiving and joy. His purpose for us is achievable. Jacob knew when he left his father-in-law’s home that he was to return to Bethel where he had met God forty years earlier, but he decided to stop at Shechem, falling short of God’s plan.

 

Getting distracted is not unusual. A young man knew God's plan for him was to acquire a college education which would equip him to serve God as directed. Near the end of his junior year, however, he left college to become a full-time evangelist. Years later he longed to go back and finish what he had begun.

Distractions are never in short supply when we're called to pursue God's purpose for our lives. As worthy as distractions may appear, they can sidetrack us from complying with God’s plan and purpose. So “turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full into his wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace.” It’s something to consider wherever you are.