2 Samuel 15:22, “Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as obeying the voice of the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice…”
We read the story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10:41-42, and we see that in that moment Mary was sitting at Jesus’ feet in childlike simplicity, listening. There is a place that Jesus has reserved for us at His feet- to listen, to learn, and to find enjoyment in His presence. To embrace simplicity, the simplicity of becoming a child again, Jesus had to reject much of the busyness of the world. “You are worried and upset about many things,” Jesus told Martha, “but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better.”
As I reflect on my life thus far, I see a lot of Martha- very active- full schedule, taking on more and more responsibility. I thrive in “Martha” environments, bottom line, but God continues to reveal to me that there is something more important that I should be placing my emphasis on… Him. The presence of God. Time in the Word. Relationship.
I’ve always read this story in Luke 10 and thought that Mary made Jesus proud and Martha disappointed Jesus, but I’ve recently taken on a new perspective. Martha was the ONLY person who invited Jesus over. She loved to serve Jesus. She is a godly woman and she loves Jesus, but her emphasis was on serving and not on Him. I recently listened to a podcast and the pastor said, “Martha nominates herself to do things that Jesus didn’t appoint her to.” Wow! Think about that one… I see that so many times that I keep myself busy with things that are good, but yet I’m so busy “doing” things that I cut my time with the Lord short.
With this being said, the Lord is challenging me this month to worship like Mary and then work like Martha. As much as I would like this to be an easy transition for me, it’s not. It is a conscious decision that I have to make every day to seek time with my Lord without thoughts about the day racing through my mind. I’ve had some of my most intimate time with the Lord this month and I cherish it all whether it’s been through time in prayer, in the Word, or through a conversation.
This is a year that I am continually being refined by Him. As I reflect on this lesson that the Lord is teaching me this month I get so excited because I know that my time with Him will never be considered a waste. It produces eternal rewards. My work and service will come and go, but my time with Him will stay with me and change me forever!
