They Came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked the, “What were you arguing about on the road?” But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest. Mark 9:33-34 (NIV)
It is interesting to sit back at a distance and observe the way in which Jesus instructs His followers. Their journey had taken them to Capernaum. Along the way the Disciples had been stuck in a dispute over who was most important. Obviously they realized their low worldly attitude they had displayed when Jesus confronted them about it. However Jesus did not stop them while they were having their discussion. He had allowed them to each assert his own opinions or points of view. He had let them wander down a line of thought that led them far from His Divine plan. But why? Why would the Lord let us wander so far down our own paths? Why would He let us stray from more important issues? Why would He let us compare ourselves with other men when we should be concerning ourselves with our relationship with Him?
It would have been easy for our Savior to have rebuked them the moment He saw them quarreling over such trifling subjects. But would their lesson have been reduced? Could it be that they learned more from the fact that Jesus did not stop them earlier? It has been said that the degree of repentance one feels is directly related to the amount of grace and forgiveness the Lord gives? A person telling a little white lie does not feel the same relief when pardoned that the murderer feels when Jesus forgives the more drastic sinner. What is important is that the grace given actually achieves its goal in restoring the pardoned soul to a close and true relationship. When we realize where we have strayed, we press closer still to the heart of God. We come more earnestly to Jesus. We see our lack and draw close seeking His forgiveness and healing.
Jesus´ way of teaching His Disciples was effective. Those chosen went on to perform a mighty ministry in the name of the Lord. How can we find instruction to direct us towards Him and His will today? Are there points where we find ourselves getting stuck in trifling matters? Do we stray from Him and His intentions sometimes? Do we let worldly issues distract us from seeking the Lord and His will? Have we spent too much time quarreling over something concerning ourselves? Do we do this individually? Is it something that all Christianity may stumble into?
Christ´s methods of teaching may still prove effective. What we need is to realize when He calls our attention to our frivolous activity. When do we hear Jesus say, “What are you quarreling about?” Can we see Him saying, “What were you wasting time and effort on?” Do we hear Him now saying, “Come close and let us return our attention to what God is doing?” Is it possible that He wants us to stop our personal agendas and seek His intentions? Is it possible that we should be making an effort to get to know Him and His ways instead of deviating the focus to ourselves?
Would a safe attitude be to leave behind our issues and direct our attention to Him? Perhaps we would be more in tune with other believers if we stopped looking sideways all start to look to the Standard. In keeping our eyes on Jesus we may refrain from straying. We may see when we fall. We may learn from our failures. We may repent from taking the focus from our relationship with Him.
Dear Jesus, as long await Your return, we may stumble. We may fall to worldly or selfish issues. Open our hearts to Your instruction. Set our hearts upon You. Let us draw ever closer. The closer we come to You, the more clearly we may see what is important to You. Show us when we sin and place our attention on us. Show us when we need to return our gaze to You.
Amen
Searching For Christ 
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