Now as they were traveling along, He entered a village; and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. She had a sister called Mary, who was seated at the Lord’s feet, listening to His word. But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me.” But the Lord answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” – Luke 10:38-42
Guess who’s coming to visit? Do you think you might panic a little if your hero was coming to your home? My father’s aunt was kind and well-respected by my family. Since she lived far away, she was not a frequent visitor to our home. So when she visited, we “rolled out the red carpet” for her. Once when she arrived, she gushed over how clean and beautiful the house looked. I was about five years old at the time, and told her the truth, “That’s because we have been cleaning it for two whole days!” Imagine the preparations you would have if your guest was the Messiah!
I can relate to Martha, she wanted everything to be just right. She wanted to convey the value she had for her special guest. Surely He would notice. So why was He so unimpressed? He ignored her, and lavished attention on that “lazy” Mary, who was just sitting at Jesus’ feet… doing nothing. Martha appealed to Jesus to correct Mary. Jesus rebuked her instead.
What a study in contrasts! Martha was a list person, Mary a led person. Martha was working out her agenda, while Mary awaited orders. Martha demanded Jesus listen to her; Mary listened intently to Jesus.
With whom do you identify? Are you driven to fulfill some set of internal or external expectations? Are you wearing yourself out being a “good” mother, a “good” employee, or a “good” husband? Internal expectations, imposed upon ourselves, are often more demanding because “the judge” is always present.
In the course of our lives, there are “good” things that must be done, but not to the exclusion of the “best” thing. So go ahead and do some good, but to experience life’s best, carve out quality and daily time with Jesus. He is a living God, who longs to be with you! He will free you from unnecessary burdens which are wearing you out. His Words will give you peace and comfort. Just sit and listen.
Lord, help us see the freedom and superiority of choosing time with You over our to do lists.
