"But the Lord said to her, "My dear Martha, you are so upset over all these details! There is really only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it—and I won't take it away from her."
What a conversation that must have been! I can see the scene taking place right in from of me. Martha has been busy preparing to entertain and feed her guests. It comes naturally to her for she has the gifts of helps and hospitality and loves to make everyone feel comfortable and at home.
She is starting to get frazzled because she has been working so hard, baking bread and cooking a stew over the fire--which she also had to build and maintain--and she is tiring. We all get a bit grumpy when we are tired and Martha is no different. She seems to recognize the importance of her guests and wants to be certain they feel welcome, food and drink are part of that welcome she has planned.
Her sister, Mary, isn't as concerned about the preparations, but is more interested in the conversation. She doesn't often get to sit in and listen to her friend Jesus talk and she doesn't want to miss a moment. She is at His feet, soaking it all up. Mary seems to have the gift of faith and maybe prayer. Like Martha, she is using her gift by listening to every word her Savior is saying.
Who is right, who is wrong? They are both right in using their respective gifts to serve God and one another. Sometimes we have to step back and take a good look at the situation. Had Martha done this she might have realized she was doing what she needed to do, what she had been prepared to do. She would not have begrudged Mary the opportunity to use her gifts that day. This is a lesson we can take to heart.
The next time I am busy working I will not look to the person who seems to be relaxing and feel like they are not helping at all. First it isn't my business, second, they are maybe just where they should be--at the feet of Jesus.
Read Luke 10 here
Listen to Luke 10 here
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