Daily Scripture Reading: Luke 8:40-56
vs. 42-43 – “For he (Jairus) had an only daughter, about twelve years old, who was dying. As he went, the crowds pressed in on him. Now there was a woman who had been suffering from hemorrhages for twelve years . . .
vs. 47 – “When the woman saw that she could not remain hidden, she came trembling and falling down before him (Jesus), she declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched him, and how she had been immediately healed.”
I call this story “A Healing on the Way to a Healing”. Or you might call it “Jesus, the Multi-Tasker”. Yes, Jesus was good at multi-tasking. He knew how to do it. He was on the way to see Jairus’ daughter who was dying but while he was moving that way, he encountered a woman who also needed healing.
The woman tried to go unnoticed. She thought, “I’ll just reach out my hand, touch his garment, be healed and he’ll never know.” But Jesus could do 2 things at one time. The scripture says, “the woman saw that she could not remain hidden”. Jesus noticed her. He noticed the power going from him. He noticed that someone else was in need. Jesus was good at multi-tasking.
How about us? Are we good at it or are we trying to do so much that we are only giving a small bit of our attention to the people and/or tasks before us? I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but there’s quite a bit of research that shows that multi-tasking actually costs us productivity.
Jesus could do it and still does it because . . . . well, he is Jesus!
God calls us to be fully present for Him and for one another. When we are fully present, we deepen our relationship with Him and with one another.
Prayer: Jesus, just for today, keep me focused. When my mind wanders, bring me back to You. When I try to do too many things at one time, draw me back. Help me to remain focused on the people and the opportunities to which you call me at that moment.
Reflection Question and Application for the Day:
Are you trying to do too many things at one time? Choose to apply one or more of these suggestions this week:
- When talking on the phone, turn off or turn down the music, the TV, the gaming system – whatever is going on around you.
- Check and answer email at specified times. Depending on your place/occupation in life, this may be on the hour, twice a day, or once a day.
- Turn off the automatic notifications on your mobile phones or computer. Try it for a day!
- Limit your time on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. Check it once or twice a day. Do something radical – maybe even give it up for a period of time.
DON’T text and drive! This is not a suggestion. It’s the law.
Devotion from Building Margin for a Balanced Life, devotional book, small group study and sermon series
©Tim Reaves and Trish Archer
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