ROCK ALTAR: Perfect lesson for churches to help their members mature and grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord.
Let’s talk distractions. A distraction is thing that prevents someone from giving full attention to something else.
For example, in scripture of how a burden became a distraction:
The Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:1-23, Mark 4:1-20, Luke 8:4-15):
- The Seed Among Thorns: Jesus describes a seed that falls among thorns, representing those who hear the word of God but are choked by “the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things”.
- The Burdens/Distractions: These “cares of the world,” “deceitfulness of riches,” and “desires for other things” can be burdens that distract people from growing in their faith and bearing fruit for God.
- The Result: The thorns (distractions) choke the word, preventing it from producing a fruitful life.
- Lesson: Worries, material desires, and other concerns can burden and distract from the spiritual growth and purpose God
Abraham was distracted by fear.
Abraham was distracted by fear in several instances throughout his life, particularly in situations where he felt vulnerable or uncertain. He feared retribution from powerful figures, being taken from his wife, and even doubt regarding God’s promises. These fears led him to make questionable decisions, like passing off his wife as his sister in Egypt. (Genesis 15.)
Paul was distracted by pain. Paul’s pain, referred to as a “thorn in the flesh,” (Corinthians 12:6-10) was a source of distraction and hardship for him,
We give our distractions all sorts of names, but at the end of the day, distraction is anything that pulls our attention away from God. And it can come in many forms.
Distractions of life can be a tool that Satan uses to take the focus off of God‘s work.
Consider 2 Corinthians informs us that the Devil uses various schemes to devour us. Let’s read it from the NIV.
2 Corinthians 2: 11 in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his designs.
Proverbs 4:25-27 is a powerful passage emphasizing the importance of maintaining focus and a disciplined mindset. It advises to “let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you,” encouraging unwavering focus and committed to a set purpose. This proverb also emphasizes considering the path of your feet and avoiding deviation to the right or left, turning away from evil.
Now, let the Holy Spirit do his work!
What kind of distractions or burdens are you dealing with, that Keep your heart, from truly focusing on what God wants of you right now?
Let me help you think about your answers:
Distractions that can hinder me when doing God’s work include:
worldly desires,
relationships,
money,
social media,
hidden burdens,
and other activities that take away time and focus from spiritual pursuits.
These distractions can make it difficult to focus on prayer, scripture reading, and other practices that connect us with God.
Now, let’s allow the rock you hold to symbolize all those distractions and burdens.
Next, I can think of three things that we can do with the rocks.
The first one would be wrong, because we could throw them at each other.
But seriously, during the time that Jesus walked the earth,
they actually stoned people to death, and it was legal. (Leviticus 20:10; Deuteronomy 22:22-24)
DON’T READ ALLOUD!
{Leviticus 20:10
New International Version
10 “‘If a man commits adultery with another man’s wife—with the wife of his neighbor—both the adulterer and the adulteress are to be put to death.’
Deuteronomy 22:22-24
New International Version
22 If a man is found sleeping with another man’s wife, both the man who slept with her and the woman must die. You must purge the evil from Israel.
23 If a man happens to meet in a town a virgin pledged to be married and he sleeps with her, 24 you shall take both of them to the gate of that town and stone them to death—the young woman because she was in a town and did not scream for help, and the man because he violated another man’s wife. You must purge the evil from among you.}
Scripture actually warns us about throwing stones at one another. Let’s look at an example,
John 8:7-11, where Jesus says, “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to cast a stone at her.” This passage is about hypocrisy and judging others, suggesting that those who are also sinners should not condemn others.
Jesus’s response to the Pharisees is a direction to us today. We should be very careful not to point out the sins of others. When we do this, we are guilty of kicking our Christian family members while their down. We should be trying to love them like Jesus does.
Besides, When we point at someone, we have three fingers pointing back at ourselves.
In essence, the Bible teaches us to be merciful,
Teaches us to be forgiving,
and it also teaches us to be humble,
rather than focusing on the flaws of others.
Today, we can actually stone people to death with how we treat them,
with what we do to them,
with what we say to them or about them,
and even our facial and body actions can hurt others.
These kinds of distractions totally wreck what God has for us this season.
The second thing that we could do with these rocks is that we could put them in our pocket and tuck them way down deep. When we carry around our burdens and distractions, instead of giving them to God, it creates a rift and impacts the success of God’s plan.
In summary, holding onto burdens can significantly impact the body’s various systems, leading to a range of physical and mental health problems.
- When I have a burden, that has been harbored to long, I devlop Chronic Muscle Tension especially in the neck, shoulders, and back.
- I also suffer from vast Headaches and Migraines:
It’s important to acknowledge these burdens and allow God to carry them. He offers rest, comfort, and the promise of sustaining those who trust in him.
Matthew 11:28-29
English Standard Version
28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
The third thing that I think that we could do with these rocks is actually to cast them on Jesus.
The word cast actually means to throw. This scripture asks us to throw our issues upon God because he will take care of them.
You might remember First Peter chapter 5:7? This is the scripture where Peter calls for us to cast all our cares upon him, because he cares for you. These cares can be cast out.
Maybe the Holy Spirit has spoken to you about
Anxiety tonight?
How about all your Worries? Do you worry too much?
Do you harbor Burdens,
Do you harbor Problems,
Do you harbor Troubles,
Do you harbor Grief or Stress?
Maybe you’re in a place that you are frustrated.
The Holy Spirit gave you something tangible tonight! – A Rock
Some of us are loaded down!
God continually cares for us. In fact, he loves us affectionately. We are his creation, and he knows us. He leads us, he feeds us, and he sustain us.
So, the spirit is asking us right now, of the three choices presented which ones or which one will we comfortable doing today?
- Will we throw rocks at others,
- will we tuck our problems and concerns back deep down in our hearts,
- or are we ready to lay them on the altar?
As for me, when I feel the weight of my burdens on my shoulders, I give my cares to the Lord.
In fact my pockets and my heart needs to empty tonight. Church allow me to be the first to cast my burdens on the Lord.
He is powerful and all knowing.
He is our heavenly father.
He is here right now.
I ask you to answer his call today.
Take these rocks,
which symbolize
all our trials,
all our troubles,
ALL OF YOUR BURRDENS,
and all our anxieties and THROW them to God.
There is power in prayer. Prayer is our weapon against Satan ‘s evil darts. As I play this music, let’s have a quiet time with the Lord. Let’s have a one-on-one conversation with God.
Sometimes, we think that this altar is a place for sinners and a place for repentance!
This is not an altar of SHAME!!!!
but this altar is one place where God meets his people.
Won’t you come?
Lay your rocks down.
Have a talk with Jesus.
And then pray with some of your other brothers and sisters.
Then I will pray, collectively!
(Build the altar and cover with a cross)
