Attention to Detail - Staying Focused on God
Community Reformed Church Whiting NJ
Have you ever been so busy doing something for someone that you missed the chance to simply be with them?
This Sunday’s Scripture lessons—Amos 8:1–12 and Luke 10:38–42—may come from two very different moments in biblical history, but they share one striking theme: God wants our attention.
Ripe Fruit and Missed Priorities (Amos 8)
The prophet Amos receives a chilling vision: a basket of ripe fruit. At first, it seems innocent enough—until the Lord speaks:
What looked sweet on the outside was actually a symbol of coming judgment. Why? Because Israel had turned away from the details that mattered to God: justice, compassion, and reverence for His Word. They were holding religious festivals while exploiting the poor. They were rushing through the Sabbath to get back to business. They had lost focus—and God’s patience had run out.
It’s a sobering message for us. In a world that prizes busyness, do we still make room for justice, kindness, and truth? Are we paying attention to the quiet whisper of God’s voice, or are we too distracted by the noise of daily life?
Distracted or Devoted? (Luke 10)
Enter the story of Martha and Mary. Two sisters, one Savior.
Martha opens her home to Jesus but quickly becomes overwhelmed by all the preparations. Mary, however, sits quietly at Jesus’ feet, soaking in His words.
Martha complains. Jesus replies gently:
Jesus isn’t saying that serving is bad. But He’s making it clear: don’t miss the better part—time with Him.
Staying Focused on God
The challenge from both Amos and Luke is clear:
A Question for Reflection
Where is your attention today?
Are you anxious about many things—or are you resting in the presence of the One who matters most?
This week, may we be like Mary: choosing the better part. And may we heed the warning of Amos: never to become so ripe with religion that we rot in our disobedience.
Join us this Sunday at 10am as we reflect more on this theme, worship together, and seek to fix our hearts—and our schedules—on Christ.
Have you ever been so busy doing something for someone that you missed the chance to simply be with them?
This Sunday’s Scripture lessons—Amos 8:1–12 and Luke 10:38–42—may come from two very different moments in biblical history, but they share one striking theme: God wants our attention.
Ripe Fruit and Missed Priorities (Amos 8)
The prophet Amos receives a chilling vision: a basket of ripe fruit. At first, it seems innocent enough—until the Lord speaks:
“The time is ripe for my people Israel; I will spare them no longer.” (Amos 8:2, NIV)
What looked sweet on the outside was actually a symbol of coming judgment. Why? Because Israel had turned away from the details that mattered to God: justice, compassion, and reverence for His Word. They were holding religious festivals while exploiting the poor. They were rushing through the Sabbath to get back to business. They had lost focus—and God’s patience had run out.
It’s a sobering message for us. In a world that prizes busyness, do we still make room for justice, kindness, and truth? Are we paying attention to the quiet whisper of God’s voice, or are we too distracted by the noise of daily life?
Distracted or Devoted? (Luke 10)
Enter the story of Martha and Mary. Two sisters, one Savior.
Martha opens her home to Jesus but quickly becomes overwhelmed by all the preparations. Mary, however, sits quietly at Jesus’ feet, soaking in His words.
Martha complains. Jesus replies gently:
“Martha, Martha... you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better...” (Luke 10:41–42)
Jesus isn’t saying that serving is bad. But He’s making it clear: don’t miss the better part—time with Him.
Staying Focused on God
The challenge from both Amos and Luke is clear:
- Don’t be distracted by empty religion or rushed routines.
- Don’t get so caught up in the work of the Lord that you miss the Lord of the work.
A Question for Reflection
Where is your attention today?
Are you anxious about many things—or are you resting in the presence of the One who matters most?
This week, may we be like Mary: choosing the better part. And may we heed the warning of Amos: never to become so ripe with religion that we rot in our disobedience.
Join us this Sunday at 10am as we reflect more on this theme, worship together, and seek to fix our hearts—and our schedules—on Christ.
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