“There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:42
The story of Mary and Martha is a familiar one. Imagine the scene found in Luke 10:38-42. We all know what happens. Martha complained that she had to do all of the work while her sister, Mary, hung out with Jesus and ignored her sister’s need for help. It’s a good lesson for us all. We shouldn’t get too caught up in our to-do list that we ignore Jesus and miss out on spending time with Him.
I have to admit, I have always felt kind of bad for Martha. Not only did Jesus show up at their house unannounced, but He brought along His disciples. That’s 13 men who are probably hungry and dirty. Poor Martha felt the obligation of being a good host. There were expectations that she had to live up to in order to be considered honorable in her culture.
So, I understand her running around and feeling overwhelmed. I understand it because I have felt that way myself. I’ve felt the weight of the world and the expectations of others placed upon me. Maybe you even have a sibling or friend who seems to do the least and yet appears to be closer to God than you’ve ever felt. (It must be nice not to feel like you have to worry about all the details and things that need to get done.)
If you feel for Martha, like I do, I want to encourage you to set the weight of the world to the side for a while and sit in the presence of Jesus. Your to-do list will be there when you’re ready to get back to it. Have you made time to be with God today? What does your daily schedule look like? Have you chosen the “thing” that really matters?
Martha was taking care of Jesus and the disciples’ needs. That is important! However, Mary chose to do the MOST important thing! She chose to listen to and learn from Jesus. I have to often evaluate an ask myself if I am distracted by the busyness of my life. I have to quiet my mind enough to give God my attention and energy. Busyness zaps my energy and consumes my thoughts. It will take over my life if I let it. So, yeah, I feel for Martha, but I long to be like Mary.
Have you made time for the MOST important thing?
PASTOR SUSAN B
image provided by: Bernardino Luini, Martha and Mary (ca. 1520), San Diego Museum of Art, California
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