Idling in God’s Presence
Opening Prayer
God, help me remember that all I do for You is worthless if it is not rooted in a close relationship with Christ.
Read Luke 10:38-42
[38] As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. [39] She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. [40] 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!” [41] “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, [42] but few things are needed-or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
What do Mary and Martha’s physicality suggest?If yesterday’s parable expanded on what it means to “love your neighbor,” Jesus’ stay with the two sisters here expands on what it means to “love God.” It is easy to sense Martha’s frustration (40). It is interesting that she addresses Jesus rather than her sister. Perhaps she sees him as the source of the problem. After all, lots of us would like to sit around listening to him and avoiding our duties. And things have to be done when you’ve got an important and much-loved guest. In recent days we have commented a great deal on the concentration, priorities and focus of the follower of Jesus. Here, Jesus reveals that ultimately there is a superior priority which trumps all the others, while not sweeping them away. Mary, whose normal place in this culture would be in the kitchen rather than studying her faith, has been permitted by Jesus to choose “what is better” (42). Martha is actually distracted from what really matters.
Apply
Put aside things that “need to get done” and take time for quiet listening and reflection.
Closing prayer
Lord, I am only able to bring Your life to others if I am truly drawing from You, and there is nothing of greater value.
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