We struggle with priorities, objectives, and commitments if only there was a single guideline that would solve all the problems of personal management.
“‘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 10:41-42. NIV.
A LITTLE BACKGROUND
Jesus was a guest in Martha’s home. She was cooking, serving, cleaning, and meeting the needs of a famous teacher and his many followers while Mary was sitting at the feet of Jesus listening. Martha complained to Jesus about Mary’s neglect of the duties of hospitality.
JESUS
The important thing is not the two ladies but what the Lord said. He pointed out that Martha was worried and upset about many things. Who couldn’t relate to that? We have many personal challenges in our lives in this time of economic and social desperation. Even faithful Christians who serve the Lord are not exempt. Our acts of service may be shadowed with worries and concerns. Like Martha we are practical, we are getting an education, a job, a promotion, a house, or a family dinner on the table. Like Martha, we are serving the Lord, showing hospitality, serving, and meeting the needs of his church. We are so busy, busy, busy!
FREEDOM
Jesus liberates us saying, "Only one thing is needed." He saw all Martha was doing, and there was nothing wrong with her activities they, too, were good but only one was needed. Martha might have thought Jesus was speaking of her guest's needs, but the need was not his it was her need, the ultimate human need. Martha's sister, Mary, found her need to be met by making the correct choice. It was not a choice to ignore the duties of hospitality but a choice to come to Jesus. She chose what is better than the other things. What Martha was doing was good but Mary chose the better. She chose to come to Jesus.
DOING
Like Martha, we are full of doing the necessary things. Serving will end, the dishes will be cleaned, the house swept, and the pantry tidied, (and if they are not- in a thousand years it won't matter). The choice of Mary was eternal since no encounter with Jesus is ever temporary; every life that touches his is forever marked. Jesus said, "and it will not be taken away from her." We must become like Mary and choose Jesus. We should beware our frantic activity and start sitting- at Jesus' feet. In choosing Him we choose the best and that will not be taken away.
“‘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 10:41-42. NIV.
A LITTLE BACKGROUND
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| What does Jesus say about worry |
JESUS
The important thing is not the two ladies but what the Lord said. He pointed out that Martha was worried and upset about many things. Who couldn’t relate to that? We have many personal challenges in our lives in this time of economic and social desperation. Even faithful Christians who serve the Lord are not exempt. Our acts of service may be shadowed with worries and concerns. Like Martha we are practical, we are getting an education, a job, a promotion, a house, or a family dinner on the table. Like Martha, we are serving the Lord, showing hospitality, serving, and meeting the needs of his church. We are so busy, busy, busy!
FREEDOM
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| Mary and Martha. Luke 10:41-2 |
DOING
Like Martha, we are full of doing the necessary things. Serving will end, the dishes will be cleaned, the house swept, and the pantry tidied, (and if they are not- in a thousand years it won't matter). The choice of Mary was eternal since no encounter with Jesus is ever temporary; every life that touches his is forever marked. Jesus said, "and it will not be taken away from her." We must become like Mary and choose Jesus. We should beware our frantic activity and start sitting- at Jesus' feet. In choosing Him we choose the best and that will not be taken away.
(c) Adron 5/5/12
