Martha and Mary of Bethany
Posted by Dion Todd February 28th, 2018 7,391 Views 0 Comments
As they went on their way, he entered into a certain village, and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. She had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she came up to him, and said, 'Lord, don't you care that my sister left me to serve alone? Ask her therefore to help me.' Jesus answered her, 'Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is needed. Mary has chosen the good part, which will not be taken away from her.' Luke 10:38 WEB
Martha and Mary of Bethany were sisters, but very different people. Martha invited Jesus into their home, but then became busy and distracted with the work of serving guests. The visitation of Jesus soon became a chore, and her joy of serving became frustration. Martha was worried and troubled about many things. She became so busy that she missed the most important part, a chance to spend time with Jesus while He was there.
Mary delighted in listening to the teachings of Jesus and put Him first by sitting at His feet a while, and listening to Him speak. When Martha got upset with all the serving, she finally approached Jesus and said, 'tell Mary to help me' but He said, 'No.' For Mary had chosen what was best and it would not be taken from her.
When you get busy, under pressure, and a lot of people are depending on you, it is easy to start feeling like the weight of the world is on your shoulders. You can feel as if you do not get this done, it will be the most horrible thing in the world, but it won't.
You begin to lose focus on the Lord and what is actually important. You start to focus on your performance, or lack thereof. We flatter ourselves by thinking that we are so important. When you are dead, the world will continue on just as it did yesterday, because it does not revolve around you.
Don't get so busy that you no longer enjoy your life, because there is coming a time when it will be gone. God is the one that makes the sun rise in the morning, not us. Keep your priorities straight. Make God a part of your life and set aside time for Him intentionally. Don't make your relationship with God into work, and then blame Him for it.
Prayer: Heavenly Father help me to see the big picture and not get so caught up in the details of serving You. Please bring the joy of the Lord back into my life and refresh my spirit. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray.
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