Men's Devotional: For Men, by MenSample

Multitasking

Do you have a classic, one-track male mind? Many guys not only pay attention to just one task at a time but often focus on the wrong thing! While we can take some comfort in knowing that great power comes from concentrated effort, most of us also realize that when we zero in, we tune out the rest of the world. Our family members know they have to climb over the smartphone we're scrolling on or step directly into our line of vision in front of the television set before they can get our attention. The question is, when the most important people in our lives interrupt us, is it really an interruption?

Jesus continually faced competing calls for His attention. When a man of influence approached Him with urgency and humility to request help for his sick child, Jesus set out to offer assistance. The ever-present crowd made progress difficult. Suddenly, in the midst of a throng of people, Jesus stopped and asked, “Who touched me?” (Luke 8:45). Of course, many people had bumped and brushed against Him. But Jesus sensed a different kind of touch. Someone had reached out in faith.

But why did Jesus stop? The woman’s healing had already occurred. Jesus stopped to draw attention to her plight and relief because she needed to realize that she wasn’t an interruption or unimportant to Jesus; she mattered. She needed to hear someone call her “Daughter,” affirm her faith and send her home in real peace. (Luke 8:48). With His compassionate words, Jesus expanded and deepened her healing.

The world often devalues good things by calling them unnecessary interruptions. But Jesus invites us to come to Him like this woman did. He assures us that we’ll never be an interruption. He reminds us to trust in Him. The timing of His response might seem odd, but we’re not God. His timing is perfect. We can simply rest and live in His perfect compassion. And we can pass along that compassion by treating others as Jesus treats us.

In what ways do you communicate to those around you that they’re important?