I have been slowly working my way through a book that our Squad Coaches gave my team to read. It is called, “Bridal Intercession: Authority in Prayer Through Intimacy with Jesus,” by Gary Wiens.
It has been a slow and steady process; however, there have been 2 chapters that have just BLOWN my mind. The first chapter was a new perspective on the “Prodigal Son,” which my teammate AnnaGrace encouraged me to write a sermon about so that will be happening eventually! The other chapter is a combination of talking a lot about the parable of the”10 Virgins,” being prepared for the unexpected “strategic delay” and Mary and Martha and both of their stories/encounters with Jesus and their attitudes during them.
So many good things in this chapter; however, I am going to focus on the parts about Mary and Martha and their relationships with Jesus.
I wrote a blog with this title back BEFORE I even left for the Race! That feels like so long ago! Anyway, I felt that what was said in this chapter not only spoke to me, but would probably speak to many of you as well!
Below is my reflection to the parts about Mary and Martha; I hope it makes sense without the actual passages from the book. If you’re curious, pick it up and read it! (First few chapters are a little slow for my taste but definitely pick up!)
“What really struck out to me/stayed with me through was the Mary vs Martha relationships with Jesus! I feel that for most of my life I have been a Martha – always running around; busying myself with tasks – a do-er through and through. I have also found out that whenever I remember that I am more like Martha – I find myself kind of knocking myself down – beating myself up for missing the BIG picture. Jesus didn’t care about everything that needed to be done in that moment – He cared about His relationship with the women. He wanted to talk to them/ spend time with them: not have them running around doing tasks. So often – I miss out on conversations with Jesus because I’m so focused on tasks – not just on spending time with Him – working on our relationship!
However, this chapter goes further into the Mary/Martha dynamic with the story about their reactions to their brother’s death (Lazarus). Martha – being Martha, is so worried about getting to Jesus and essentially blaming Him for not being around to save her brother from death. She cries out, but it is not necessarily from the right mindset. Later, Jesus goes to the house and asks for Mary (who stayed at the house to mourn/find peace in the situation.) Mary is weeping and tells Jesus the same exact prayer of her sister; however, it is from a different mindset; therefore, it breaks Jesus’ heart and He raises Lazarus from the dead.
The author is very clear to mention that Martha still is blessed in the story; however, misses out on the relationship with Jesus once again! We need to recognize Christ when He is standing in front of us and be focused on being in communion/having a relationship/talking to Him! Without that important relational aspect with Christ, we miss out on the bigger picture. Fix our eyes truly on Jesus and NEVER LOSE SIGHT OF HIM! Always be ready with extra oil and EXPECTANT OF THE BRIDEGROOM’S ARRIVAL! Thank You Jesus!
