May 6 - At His Feet

Read: Luke 10:38-42

And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. (Luke 10:39 ESV)

What is more important working for Jesus, or being with Jesus? That question lies at the heart of the story of Jesus' friends Mary and Martha. Martha was busy working to prepare hospitality for her guests while Mary simply sat at the Lord's feet to hear all that he had to say.

Jesus addressed the issue quite plainly. He said that Mary had chosen something wonderful. Se had elected to sit at his feet. She had chosen presence over productivity.

Sadly in today's culture we are obsessed with productivity. Accomplishment and busyness are the norm, but there is something especially wonderful about simply abiding in Jesus. Being with Jesus takes precedence.

This notion doesn't release from the responsibility of working hard to do the things God asks of us. It doesn't free us from the wonderful burden of Godly stewardship. In fact, actively pursuing God's presence will always set us up for success in other endeavors.

March 25 - The Good Portion?

Read: Luke 10:38-42

And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. (Luke 10:39 ESV)

Martha welcomed Jesus into her home and began to serve his needs and offer hospitality. Her sister Mary was captivated by Jesus and sat at his feet listening to his teaching. Martha didn't like it at all. In her opinion Mary had left her to do all the work. Jesus' gentle rebuke of Martha's complaining speaks volumes. Martha was blessed by her service to The Lord, but Mary was more blessed by sitting at his feet to enjoy his presence.

This brief story sheds light on a big question among some Christians today. What is more important: serving Jesus through your actions, or serving him through abiding in his presence? The answers are as varied as the lives of those who ask the question.

Truthfully, there isn't a blanket answer that fits the life of every believer and every scenario. The story of Mary and Martha shows us that in this specific example Jesus was very pleased with Mary's decision to simply enjoy his presence. However, it is also clear that at other points Scripture is very clear about the need for us to actually doing something.

The big idea found here I believe is that we cannot assume that the way we connect to Jesus or serve him is how everyone else must do it. Let me be clear, I believe everyone must connect to Jesus. He is after all the "way, the truth, and the life". But let us not assume that the good portion is the same for everyone. Where Jesus calls one to instruction and abiding, he may call someone else to action and serving.