| Sitting At Jesus' Feet Mary vs. Martha in Luke 10:38-42 |
| Luke 10:38-42 Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. But Martha was encumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her. "Mary hath chosen that good part." She sat at Jesus' feet and heard His Words. Her eyes were fixed upon Him, ear and heart were opened to His voice. Martha was cumbered about much serving. How truly these two sisters present the two-fold conditions of believers. There is much service in these days and with it there is connected great danger. When the midnight cry was heard, "Behold the Bridegroom! Go ye out to meet Him," the wise virgins simply arose and trimmed their lamps. The foolish went hither and thither for oil. They tried to make up what they lacked by activity. It is so now. There seems to be a feverish unrest everywhere and in the so-called "religious life" there is an anxiety to do something, to be busy in what is termed "The Lord's work or kingdom," so that but little time for rest and meditation is left. But few believers realize fully that it is NOT our service the Lord needs and wants first of all, but that it is our affection. The simple lesson from Mary and Martha is little understood and much less practiced. Yet He is only satisfied with us when we rest in Him and wait on Him, when He Himself is only before the soul. And we shall only be satisfied if we rest thus in Him and when He is the object of our desires and affections. But is there no service? Yes, there is; but true service is the result of what Mary chose to do. Much of the so-called service and work for the Lord if sifted down is but the activity of the religious flesh. His blessing cannot be upon it. Far different is it when our first and chief aim is to worship and adore Him, and if He then gives us in His grace some service and we go forth fresh from His presence, there will be abundant blessing. Our Hope Magazine, December 1902. ---------------------------------------------------- We recommend reading our article: "The Heavy Burden Of The Purpose-Driven Life" for further insight. Further Reading: Do You Have Time For The Lord? Concerning Prayer - By A.C. Gaebelein The Importance of Daily Living By C.A. Coates Are You A Rocking Horse Christian? The Bible Cure For Fear and Anxiety The Word and Prayer Jesus Gave Thanks |
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