File: /pub/resources/text/Our.Daily.Bread: db940424.txt
          -------------------------------------------------------

          
          OUR DAILY BREAD                            Sunday, April 24, 1994
          ---------------
          Read:  Matthew 17:1-8

                                    OUT OF FOCUS

                          Peter answered and said to Jesus,
                        "Lord, it is good for us to be here."
                                    Matthew 17:4

          On  the  back of the pulpit in the church I used to  attend  were
          printed  these  words:  "Sir, we would see Jesus!"  They  were  a
          reminder  to the minister that he must never  allow  anything--no
          matter how good or interesting--to distract him from focusing  on
          the Savior.

          Peter,  James,  and  John  needed this  reminder  too  when  they
          witnessed Jesus' transfiguration and the appearance of Moses  and
          Elijah.  Commenting on this account, J.B. Nicholson suggests that
          when  Peter said, "Lord, it is good for us," he was  focusing  on
          the  wonderful  experience.  Nicholson  then  says,  "Peter   was
          sidetracked, and the Father had to open heaven and speak to  him.
          He said, 'This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear
          Him.'"  God put the focus where it belonged, on Christ.

          Sin  diverts  some believers from focusing  on  Jesus.  Too  much
          study  and  feverish activity distracts others.  Such  things  as
          doctrines  and  church  attendance, good as they  are,  must  not
          become our main concerns.  We are to keep Jesus at the center  of
          our spiritual attention.

          Is  the  Lord Jesus Christ the primary object of  your  love  and
          devotion?

          Author:  Henry G. Bosch

                           I could never live without Him,
                          Live without His love and grace;
                             I could never find another
                           Who could ever take His place.
                                        Anon

          THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
          -------------------
          Unless Christ is the center of interest, your life will be out of
          focus.

          THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:   Psalms 40-42

          Our  Daily  Bread, Copyright 1994, used by  permission  of  Radio
          Bible   Class,  Grand  Rapids,  Michigan  49555,   USA.   Written
          permission  must be obtained from RBC for any further posting  or
          distribution.  RBC  provides a variety of Bible resources,  which
          are  free  of  charge.  RBC  is  not  funded  by  any  group   or
          denomination,  and support come voluntarily from its members  and
          friends. Write for more information, or call 1-800-598-7221.
          



-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Our Daily Bread, Copyright 1994, used by permission of Radio Bible Class,
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49555, USA. Written permission must be obtained 
from RBC for any further posting or distribution. RBC provides a variety
of Bible resources, which are free of charge. RBC is not funded by any
group or denomination, and support comes voluntarily from its Members
and friends. Write for more information, or call 1-800-598-7221
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------