It was one of those once in a lifetime experiences where the air is so charged with excitement you can almost feel electricity coursing through your veins. HE was HERE. Jesus! Jesus - the man who HEALED the sick! Jesus - the man who turned WATER into WINE! Jesus - the man who fed 5,000 people with 5 LOAVES and 2 FISH! Jesus who walked on WATER!
Jesus! This man she had heard so much about was here at her house, sitting in her living room. And what was more, He was beckoning for her to join Him! Oh, she had so much to do! After all Jesus wasn't the only guest they had at their house, and she should be about taking care of making sure they were comfortable. But He was calling to her in such a gentle and soothing voice. He looked at her with such genuine love and compassion. And the way He spoke! The things He said! She had never heard such things before! She had never felt such joy or peace. She never wanted to leave; she wanted to sit right there at His feet and listen to Him forever.
But then she heard that familiar voice - her sister. "Here you are! What are you doing? Don't you know what all we have to do? Or do you think I should do it all while you sit in here? Jesus tell her to quit being lazy and get up and do her chores!"
Ok, be honest, can't you relate just a little bit to both sisters? Anyone who has ever had guests in their home can certainly feel Martha's pain. You can almost hear the list going through her head.
"They need to be fed - not just any meal but a meal fit for Jesus! And beds needed to be prepared for the night - and not just any bedding but bedding fit for HIM! I want Him to know He is a special guest in my home. I won't rest until I have proven that to Him. His every wish must be fulfilled. His every need must be met almost before He realizes He needs it."
I can remember being a Martha several years ago. My parents, brothers, and their families were all coming to stay at my house for a few days. I was so excited! These were the most important people in my life outside of my own husband and children. I wanted everything to be perfect. I spent countless hours and energy before they arrived preparing everything for them. But unfortunately, I spent more time in the kitchen cooking fabulous meals during their stay than I did visiting with these people who had come so far and meant so much to me. What I would give to have that time back now. You see one of my brothers passed away about 10 years ago, and I'll never again have the opportunity to sit and enjoy his company here on earth. (Though I will again in Heaven one day!)
Keep this in mind as you read Jesus' response to Martha. He didn't rebuke her - because WHAT she was doing was not wrong. Serving Jesus is a good thing. She thought she was giving Him her best. But He gently told her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things. Only one thing is important. Mary has chosen the better thing, and it will never be taken away from her." (Luke 10:41-42 NCV) Martha gave Him her works. Mary gave Him her availability.
Many of us would do well to listen closely to His message. Put your name here. I'll start. "Robin, Robin, you are worried and upset about many things. Only one thing is important." Now it is your turn. "(your name), (your name), you are worried and upset about many things. Only one thing is important."
And what is that one important thing? Sitting at Jesus' feet. To quote Joanna Weaver in Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World, "Jesus invites us to come and rest, to spend time with him in this incredible Living Room Intimacy. Intimacy that allows us to be honest in our complaints, bold in our approach, and lavish in our love. Intimacy that allows us to hear our Father's voice and discern our Father's will. Intimacy that so fills us with his love and his nature that it spills out to our dry, thirsty world in Kitchen Service. In the Living Room. That's where it all begins. Down at His feet."
Think about it, ladies. We should be so excited the air around us is charged with electricity! But it isn't a once in a lifetime experience. It is a daily, hourly, minute-by-minute opportunity we have to sit at His feet. Jesus is HERE! HE is HERE! Jesus! Jesus - the man who HEALED the sick! Jesus - the man who turned WATER into WINE! Jesus - the man who fed 5,000 people with 5 LOAVES and 2 FISH! Jesus who walked on WATER! Jesus who died on the cross for our sins is HERE, and His greatest desire is to spend time with YOU. Let that sink in for a minute. And think about all that He has for YOU at His feet. It is at His feet that we are filled with the love we need to serve. It is at His feet that we receive His power - the same power that raised Him from the dead and saves us from our sins. It is at His feet that we learn God's will for our lives. Jesus Himself has issued the challenge. Only one thing is important. In the busyness of life, will you choose the better thing?
He waits for you longingly every morning.
Robin Kelley
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