Now it came to pass as they went, that He entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard His word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to Him and said, Lord dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? Bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto herm Martha, Martha, thou art troubled and careful about many things: but one thing is needful; and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her (Luke 10:38-42 KJV)
Jesus was visiting the village of Bethany where He was well received at the home ofMartha who had a sister called Mary. Martha, feeling honored at having the Lord in her home, was busy running up and down tying to entertain Him. Mary, on the other hand chose to sit at the feet of Jesus and listen to Him speak. Martha, expecting her sister to give her a hand and not seeing such assistance forthcoming, turns to Jesus, complains to Him and asks Him to tell Mary to help her. Instead of getting the sympathy she expects, Martha is chastised. In short, Jesus tells her that she is busy and troubled by too many things but her sister, Mary, has opted for that which is important, that which is beneficial.
Many of us are like Martha. We spend our time running here and there, to and fro doing this and that when we ought to be like Mary who sat at the feet of Jesus and listened to what He had to say. Like Martha, it is not that what we are doing is wrong, useless or unnecessary, but there is a time for everything. Mary was smart enough to know that Jesus did not come by Bethany everyday and that she had to seize the opportunity of His being there to get whatever she could. She understood the value of being in the presence of the Master.
It is through the Word of God that we will get to know the ways of God. We must never be too busy to set time aside to read and meditate on God’s Word because that is what is “needful” Friend, if there was ever a time to spend in God’s Word, that time is now. The times we live in are such that we need to be in the Word otherwise we will not be able to “stand”. The enemy knows this. Yes, he knows that it is God’s Word that build’s us up and enables us to withstand the vicissitudes of life, so he gets us so busy that we don’t have time for God’s Word. Without God’s Word in us, when trouble comes, rather than “stand”, we become fearful and the enemy siezes that opportunity to whip us.
Just as He gently chastised Martha, Jesus is chastising us today. He is telling us to stop being “troubled and careful” about many things like Martha but be like Mary and choose the “good part”. Friend, may that be our portion in Jesus Mighty Name. Amen.
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for your Word, which teaches us the way we should go. Help us to get our priorities right. Open our heart so we may understand that not only is it your will that we spend time in your presence but it is to our benefit that we do so. Remove everything that would want to keep us tied down, every unnecessary assignment to keep us busy and prevent us from spending time with you. May we be like Mary who delighted herself sitting at your feet, learning from you. Thank you for hearing this prayer in your Precious Name we pray. Amen and Amen.
