Learning From Mary and Martha
What can we learn from the story when Jesus visited Mary and Martha, sisters to Lazarus whom Jesus raised from the dead? Here is the description of what took place in Martha's home:
As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.” But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:38-42 NLT)
In "Search Me O God" we studied the subject of "anxious thoughts" as it relates to having sinned but not having repented of those sins. I mentioned then that it might not be sin that gives us anxious thoughts. This is the case with Martha. We know that because Jesus didn't rebuke her for sinning. Instead he told her that she just had made the wrong choice. She suffered from anxiety because she was worried about details instead of being like Mary, listening to what Jesus taught.
Making Application
Many, many days, all of us, including me, get so wrapped up in details of life that we forget that we need Jesus more than we need the business of life. Does that mean we should not attend to the details of life? That we will not have anxious moments? Of course not, we have to go to work or go to school, do our daily chores, attend to our children, take care of the elderly, etc. That doesn't mean though that we can't have Jesus with us as we deal with the details and the stresses of life. That is why He gave us the Comforter when we were born again - to comfort us.
It doesn't take much time to talk to Him as we go about our day, saying and meaning things like:
- I love You Jesus.
- I know that You love me.
- Thank You Daddy for doing that for me.
- I praise You for who You are, the One and Only God.
- Blessed be Your name Jesus.
- Oh Lord, I need Your help right now with........
- Whatever comes to mind about our Great God and Savior.
When we do this, we will be amazed how He hears us and responds and how our anxious thoughts then disappear.
From Mary and Martha to The Comforter
From Mary and Martha to Search Me O God
From Mary and Martha to Don't Be Fooled
