Scripture
Mark 8:14,15-“The disciples had forgotten to bring bread, except for one loaf they had with them in the boat. 'Be careful,' Jesus warned them. 'Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod.'"
Observation
The disciples apparently were one-dimensionally focused and concerned about forgetting to bring bread, the lack thereof, and the potential hunger that might ensue. Yet, Jesus was more concerned for the disciples in knowing about the Pharisees and the questions they were asking, attempting to test him and counter Jesus’ ministering to the people, by demanding a sign. Jesus reminded the disciples to stay focused on the priority of what they were there for and not to be distracted. The Pharisees attempted to insight and influence the people away from the good news of Jesus Christ through their questions. Like yeast to bread where just a little amount can cause a catalytic result, the Pharisees' goal was to cause major detraction from Jesus.
Application
This certainly speaks to me to keep my priorities in place when engaged in my calling, ministry, and assignments; lest I be distracted by the temporal and less important things around me that may arise. There is a propensity in me at times to recognize and see the distractions and want to take care of them, rather than the priorities. I’ll open my computer with what I’m set to do and find myself being distracted by taking care of emails that I see. Then, a whole while later, I’ll realize that I’ve not gotten to the first thing that I planned to do. Another scenario is taking care of a problematic situation at hand but not realizing that there is a related potential for a larger related problem to take place. I also want to be careful that I am sensitive and aware of people who intentionally or innocently speak into my life about things that may conversely and negatively influence me, resulting in a spirit of discontent, criticalness, and complaining. It can be so subtle. The concept of yeast can be a distraction or a negative seed planted. I need to have a filter of what is right and a priority.
Prayer
Dear Lord, thank you for blessing me with insight and a reminder of keeping my priorities in order, for being sensitive to detrimental “yeasty” words that come my way and not being distracted from assignments. May I refrain from getting distracted in temporal matters and may I not allow the yeast of gossip, discontent, criticalness, and complaining to take hold in my mind and heart. May I be an ear that responds with what is righteous and true, what is of God, and based on the good news of Jesus Christ.
