I was having a conversation with a dear friend about being busy. I had just said that “even when I’m not busy my brain is, it won’t slow down.” Then came the words, “So what I’m hearing is that you’re really more of a Martha.”
What?! my heart shouted. I’ve read and read the Mary and Martha story. I’ve taught lessons from the scripture passage in Luke 10:38-42. And come on, can we all agree that Martha gets a bad rap? Thankfully there are other stories recorded in the Bible that let’s us know she did have a heart sold out to Jesus. However, I think in this one instance though, her heart wasn’t truly centered on Him.
It’s true Mary should be our example.
Yes, Jesus was in the living room.
Yes, Mary was at His feet.
Yes, that was a holy moment.
Yes, I would have loved to have been there.
But can you see the other side of the story?
Yes, Jesus and a host of his buddies just popped in.
Yes, they needed food.
Yes, the meat needed slaughtered and the bread kneaded.
Yes, I just might have been scurrying around like Martha.
The more I dig into this precious story of the differences between two sisters, the more truths I realize.
Yes, there should be time for all of us to sit at Jesus’ feet.
Yes, there is a calmness and holy moment that occurs when we are in His presence.
Yes, there are times when organizing and serving others is needed.
Yes, there are seasons when we are called to be “busy”.
But what we need to realize is that when Jesus isn’t our number one priority filling our heart:
Yes, we’ll be distracted.
Yes, we’ll get grumpy.
Yes, we’ll complain.
Yes, we’ll miss the holy moments.
Martha could have easily served and prepared the grandest feast remembering she was serving the Lord of All sitting in her living room. Can you imagine what a holy moment that would have been? But instead she gets called out by Jesus because her attitude stunk. She was distracted and frustrated by many things. She had worked herself into a snit and totally missed the mark in serving. Oh my — If that’s the kind of Martha I am — somebody help me!
Seriously, I don’t want to miss those holy moments of seeing Jesus while serving. So, I’m on a mission to calm my busy brain down and soak up each moment. To all you other Martha’s out there — join me in the challenge.
Dear Heavenly Father, I pray for all of us Martha’s. May we realize there is a season to be still and sit at Jesus’ feet, as well as a season to serve. Lord, keep our heart solely focused on you and not the task and frustrations at hand. Lord, let us see you as we serve. Open doors for holy moments as we go about your Kingdom’s business. Thank you Jesus for your patience with us! Amen.
I know how you feel, when I read that passage too I know in my heart I'm a Martha and it saddens me. At least we can be aware and work on being more like Mary…
This is too funny. This was my daily reading yesterday. And I have been feeling so busy since school started and doing so much in the evenings. I have felt completely overwhelmed with all the going. So last night I took two and a half hours just to be with Jesus and have my prayer time. Life Can just get overwhelming. So I have been Martha for two weeks now and I know Jesus has been calling me just to come be at His feet. Loved this devotional!
Janice
I'm doing pretty good slowing down this week. Digging in, sitting at Jesus' feet. Getting refreshed and renewed — hope you two are also!
I'll admit it….I would totally have been right there with Martha…scurrying, worrying and getting a knot yanked in my tail end from Jesus. I'm a Martha to the core….but Jesus and I are working on that.