Her desire to get things done never seemed to be a problem before. She was masterful at serving up dinners for three or fifty-three. She was the brains and her sister was her right hand woman when it came to putting on the best hospitality in Bethany. And then came Jesus. Jesus always changed the status quo. His presence drew people away from what had been the routine course of life to a new normal focused on God. Mystifying some, antagonizing others, enticing only a few to draw closer and find out more. Mary was drawn to sit at Jesus’ feet, openly receiving His Presence in her home. However, the duty to present a proper table narrowed Martha’s view to a point of distraction. Gotta’ getter done! Surely the Lord could understand THAT. Martha’s demand that her sister review her priorities and do the RIGHT thing to help her over-burdened sister made perfect sense. Right? “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 10:41-42 - NASB) Could it be that the reason Jesus said Martha’s name twice was because she was SO distracted? Busy as a slave to the task rather than fostering rapport with Him. This is not to say that welcoming people into one’s home for a meal and fellowship is bad. On the contrary. We are all called to be hospitable; generously and cordially receiving guests. But I have to wonder, what if Martha had received Jesus with Mary BEFORE her energies became focused on the meal? Would her preparation have resulted in a more cordial table of hospitality with a sweeter season of fellowship? The welcome we extend to others is simply a continuation of the welcome we’ve received from Christ. What better way to get to know someone than over a home cooked meal at your table? Nourishment filling our empty stomachs and healthy connections sustaining our hungry hearts. It’s what our Lord does for us. He prepares a table for us in the most unlikely places at the most inconvenient times. Jesus calls us to Himself before He calls us to do His will. He desires to fill us up for service from His own hand. Our spiritual service to Him is sacrifice of our grandiose plans and wait on Him. Time well spent at the feet of the Master. Relationship with Jesus creates the Kingdom of God from the inside out.
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Hello! My name is Vicki Johnson, aka, gracefilledgirl. Archives
March 2022
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