day 14
NOTHING ELSE
LUKE 10:38-42 (NASB)
Now as they were traveling along, He entered a village; and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. He had a sister called Mary, who was seated at the Lord’s feet, listening to His word. But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me.”
But the Lord answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”
daily devotional
How many of us feel like Martha much of the time?
How many of us feel trapped in the business of busyness?
Company is coming over, so we need to clean the house. They will be here soon and dinner needs to be perfect. Oh my gosh, they are here — walking up the driveway. Just shove everything into the closet and we will sort it later!
What about in day-to-day work-life?What about our job being all about just getting the job done?And it never ends. It cycles daily and seems to start over every day.
We have objectives.
We have task lists.
We get in the habitual pattern of worshiping our work, working at our play, and then playing at our worship.
Our culture is obsessed with our job, our function, and our assignments, our accomplishments and our accolades, usually at the expense of our relationships. In fact, many people are wired to be more like Mary, relationally focused, instead of task-oriented like Martha. However, because of the social aspect in our country and the need to accomplish, even the Marys feel they are missing something or they are rendered to feel “less-than” if they aren’t more like Martha.
But, here’s the reality: God created both Mary and Martha.
Sometimes Mary needs Martha to encourage her to get some things done because things need to get done. Sometimes, Martha needs Mary to remind her that it is okay to sit and be present with the ones in front of her.
The key for both is time before Jesus, with no agenda but His.
The key for both is time at the feet of Jesus, enjoying His Presence in their lives.
The key for both is time with the One that knows exactly what is most important, in and for every moment.
Whether you associate more like Mary or more like Martha, the key is to set aside time to spend with the Keeper of all Time. It is only at His feet with no agenda except to seek His agenda, that we will know where to give our time and attention. It is only at His feet, in His presence, where we will fully realize what is truly deserving of our affection.
He is waiting, right now. Sit at his feet, right now. Come enjoy His Presence! Come behold His glory!
He is with you, right where you are, and his number one goal right now is for you to simply be present with Him. It’s our time with Him that will drive our obedience to Him.
“A sitting silently at the feet of Jesus is of more worth than all the clatter of Martha’s dishes.”
- Charles Spurgeon