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by Sandy Shaw
In Luke Chapter 10 we have a lesson which we all know and acknowledge – but can have difficulty in applying it to our own personal lives.
It is possible that we are too busy doing things that we do not have time to love God - and that comes out in verses 38 to 42 .
Jesus goes into the home of Mary and Martha. Mary sat at the feet of Jesus and listened to him. What a lovely picture. She was quiet and submissive and open to hear what Jesus had to say. Martha was so taken up with doing things - rushing around making a meal in which Jesus was not particularly interested.
We are told she was distracted - verse 40 . She was diverted from paying attention to Jesus - and Jesus had to give her a mild rebuke.
Jesus has been giving quite a few rebukes in recent passages. She thought she had so many things to do for Jesus - and Jesus was not really interested.
How often might that apply to us? She becomes a little resentful - she was doing so much - quite a lot - and she is thinking that Jesus should be a bit more appreciative.
We too can think like that - but we don't address our resentment to Jesus - but other members of the body of Christ - or perhaps even members of our family. She indicates just a touch of resentment regarding her sister. It would appear that Jesus is paying more attention to Mary than to hustling bustling Martha in all her busyness.
What a warning to us when we can appear and perhaps even enjoy being busy for Jesus.
Jesus has to say - You are so worried and upset about so many things - Come Martha - calm down - slow down - sit down. Jesus is not very interested in some of the spreads we prepare for Him - whatever form that might take - but He did appreciate the peace and quiet and someone to talk with. We have to balance the two scenes always remembering that serving our neighbour comes second. It is a matter of priorities. Persons before things. People before things - always.
Jesus wants us to show our love for God by coming before Him in praise and worship and listening and hearing - to spend time in prayer - and seldom can that type of activity be rushed.
He looks for us to sit down quietly, and take in all He has to share with us and say to us and reveal to us. That cannot be rushed.
What we are doing during a time of Worship and Prayer could appear crazy to outsiders - meaningless and irrelevant. Jesus wants us to take time to hear from Him and receive from Him and please Him.
Then, we will be ready and equipped to serve the needy neighbours whom we meet.
“Lord God, help us to take time and make time to be with You. It is not always easy to do this, but we do hear clearly in this passage what Jesus looks for in those he regards as followers and disciples. Help us Lord to spend time in prayer. Help us Lord God, to spend time in Your Holy Word – reading it – studying it – hearing what You are saying to us in these days which for many of us are increasingly difficult and increasingly challenging. We come in our need – because our world is in great need – and people around us are in great need. Help us, O gracious and loving and merciful God – we pray in Jesus’ Name.” Amen.
Alexander 'Sandy' Shaw is pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship in Nairn, Scotland. Nairn is 17 miles east of Inverness - on the Moray Firth Coast - not far from the Loch Ness Monster!
Gifted as a Biblical teacher, Sandy is firmly committed to making sure that his teachings are firmly grounded in the Word.
Sandy has a weekly radio talk which can be heard via the Internet on Saturday at 11:40am, New Orleans time, at wsho.com.
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