Luke 10:38-40a
As Jesus and His disciples were on their way, He came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to Him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what He said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made.
For years I have read this passage of Scripture and tried to picture the scene. It appears that the home belonged to Martha. Her brother, Lazarus, and sister lived with her. At some point, Jesus came to the home and Mary sat eagerly at His feet taking in the words He shared with those who gathered.
Meanwhile, back at the ranch (actually in the kitchen), Martha was slaving away at the preparations for the meal that would be served. She stewed in the stew that Mary had left her alone in the necessary work of serving. Martha complained to Jesus about the situation and wanted Him to send Mary to the kitchen to help her.
From a practical point of view it would seem reasonable that Mary should have been in the kitchen helping. But she had a higher calling; she wanted to drink in every word that proceeded out of the Master’s mouth.
Here is where I impose myself in this scene. Rather than take the side of either Martha or Mary, I would like to be like both. I desire to have a servant spirit that cares about others, but I also want to take the time to drink in the life-giving words that come from the Word of God. I will, therefore, serve and soak up the Word!
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil