Sunday's Text
Luke 10:38-42 Mary and Martha
Sunday Recap of the week... by Elaine Pierce
Reflections on Luke 23 - Luke 24. Then back to Luke 1 - Luke 2
Regular readers of the Sunday Worship Blog know that we are reading through the book of Luke twice, and that on Sundays, I am summarizing/reviewing the scriptures we have read for the past week. This week is a real challenge - how do I effectively review the last two chapters and the first two chapters of this book, or of any book, at the same time?
This past Wednesday, we celebrated Ash Wednesday and entered the solemn season of Lent. Often, Christians choose this time to make a sacrifice, such as not eating meat on Fridays, or not having dessert or sweets for the entire 40 days. It is a time to focus on the gift of eternal life that Jesus has given us through his death on the cross.
It can also be a time of deepening our relationship with Jesus as we focus on all he has done for us. Note how joyful Mary and her cousin Elizabeth are when they meet:
As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. (1:44)
Mary said, "My soul glorifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. (1:46-47)
These women are trusting the Lord to do what he says he will do. They are faithful to him, and they are experiencing joy. The deep-seated joy that only can come when we trust in him, no matter what the outward circumstances look like, or what the world might think. Mary is a young, unmarried woman, and yet she is rejoicing that God has chosen her to give birth to the savior of the world.
Now take a look at the last chapter of Luke. The disciples have just experienced the deepest of disappointments - their leader has been crucified and laid in a tomb - followed by the deepest of joys - he has risen from the dead! He is about to leave them again, but now they know who they serve, and this is their response:
While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. Then they worshipped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God. (24:52-53).
Marie Kondo has made millions of dollars with her books and seminars about 'tidying up.' One of her key strategies is to ask yourself if your possessions 'spark joy.' If they don't, you shouldn't hold onto them. It is a good technique, I am sure, but the joy that Luke begins his gospel with and ends his gospel is a far deeper, far richer joy than that. The joy of walking with the Lord will bring you so much more than a tidy home. What does your week ahead look like? How is this season of Lent going to deepen your relationship with the Lord? Look for those moments of joy, and spend time in worship, in prayer, and in reflection on what God has done and is doing in your life.
2 comments:
Good morning, Elaine.
Your summary is interesting as it covers a couple of encounters with Jesus and the impact such encounters have on those connected to Him. All are very familiar with Jesus and share this connection through praise and joy in knowing Him and their relationship to Him.
Aren't we equally as blessed to know Him as the Risen Lord. Your message reminds me that we have as much or more blessing than anyone. We know the whole story. We see the manifestations of those called to love and serve Him in 2021. His impact on all generations endures forever. Whether we are Mary of Martha, Peter or John we are connected by the Holy Spirit and know our future. No need to get to attached to things of this world, eh?
Thank you very much for you insightful summary of the last several readings from Luke. You and all of those writing these blogs are a blessing to UALC.
Robin Lorms
Thank you, Robin. It is so encouraging to hear that you are blessed by these blogs - what a joy it is to share Christ with one another. And you are so right - we 'modern' Christians have so much to be thankful for.
Elaine
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