MARTHA, MARTHA!

MARTHA, MARTHA!

Luke 10:38-42

38 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.

39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.

40 But Martha was cumbered 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.

41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:

42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

          Do you see it? This once-in-a-lifetime event was held in Martha’s house. Jesus often refreshed himself here in Bethany and almost always we see the occupants listed as Mary, Martha and Lazarus but it was Martha’s house. Because of this, Martha took ownership of the hospitality provided to the Savior and His friends. Everything had to be perfect and it was more work than was usually required. What’s more, Mary had abandoned her helpful duties to spend time with the guests.

          Martha was jealous of Mary! The word “cumbered” in verse 40 is the Greek periespato which means “to drag all around.” It wasn’t the labor only but the loss that troubled Martha. She was working but Mary was worshipping. Martha keenly felt the need to worship but her own sense of duty prevented it.

          So it is with many Christian “workers.” They volunteer for a duty not knowing it would become their life! At first the joy of the Lord is their strength but as time drags on they begin to serve in their own weak energy. They need relief but others are worshipping and nobody volunteers to trade places. Ultimately these lose their joy and even their service suffers.

          If you are a Christian servant, never forget that your first duty is worship! If you are an administrator overseeing other workers, never forget their need to worship as well. Some duties may be postponed but Jesus said worship was “that good part.”

Dear Lord, I recognize that I often buzz around like Martha while my heart wants to be like Mary. Often this stress is self imposed. Help me to make time for worship. AMEN