03.24.06
Martha and Mary_March 22,2006
As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Luke 10:38-42
Mary and Martha are sisters that both loved and worshipped Jesus. When they found out that he was in town they both must have been very excited to have this man that had been preaching all over the countryside here in their presence. Yet, their priorities were very different. Martha wanted Jesus to be comfortable and well fed. Mary wanted to do nothing but sit at Jesus’ feet and listen to anything he had to say. Both qualities were of value, yet one was ‘better’ than the other.
I myself, find that I am much more of a ‘Martha.’ If we all had the heart of Mary, and even of King David we would be so much better off.
“My sould finds rest in God alone;
My salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.”
Psalm 62:1-2
Later we find yet again another instance where Mary shows great devotion to the Lord. Read John 12:1-8. Jesus says very prophetic words ~ “You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.” Whether poor financially or poor in spirit, it does not matter. There will always be poor people among us. We must be determined to want to change the world for Jesus’ sake.
Let Your Light Shine
No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place where it will be hidden, or under a bowel. Instead he puts it on its stand that those who come in may see the light.
Luke 11:33
How crazy is that for Mary to spend a years wages on the Lord??? Today that would be about $40,000 to $60,000 a person. Could you imagine? Again, Mary just demonstrates to us how much we need to value a relationship with God.
While these things are good, they are not the ‘better’ things. Do not sacrafice your times with God while searching for fulfillment in these other areas. Mark 12:33.
Jenean said,
March 30, 2006 at 5:33 p03
Hey, you! Yes, I think many more people are like Martha these days. So much to do, you know. I wish with all my heart that I could say that I was more of a Mary, but that hasn’t shown true in my life yet. I’ll have to keep plugging away at it though, I suppose.
I like your last answer too. So true that it is. We needn’t worry so much on the perfection of material things. Great answers!