Good morning. The slice of life that is described for us In Luke 10:38-42 has always interested me. It tells us of a time when the sisters Martha and Mary have opened their home to Jesus and those who are with him.
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 few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
We know more about these sisters when we read the 11th chapter of John’s gospel which tells us about the raising of their brother Lazarus from the dead. Clearly, this family had become friends with Jesus, and they were all dear to Him.
In this instance what we read tells us more about the personalities of the sisters. Martha was a doer. She was driven to be the best hostess possible and to take care of her visitors needs to the best of her ability. Mary was a bit different. She was more driven to learn, to know things. In today’s world, Martha would probably be the sister who was involved in all manner of activities while Mary would be found in a quiet place reading a book.
Jesus’ instruction was that Martha should respect Mary for who and what she was. In fact, Jesus says that in this instance it was Mary who had chosen most wisely. All of the work to see to everyone else’s needs was not what was most important. Taking the opportunity to learn more from Jesus was what was best.
I know that some of the greatest evangelical messages are not preached by pastors but are revealed by people going out of their way to feed the poor. I know that a message about the love of God pales next to the work of a Christian nurse who is caring for someone sick or injured.
I also know that wonderful moments of worship are experienced when we are secluded with the Lord, focusing our mind and spirit on His truth.
Colossians 3:23 shares an important truth: Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for people.
Whatever your nature leads you to do and to be, be the best you can be for the Lord!
Vern