A Little Mary for My Martha, by Heidi Avery

“As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.” But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42

Poor Martha.

She plays a small, busy role in a short, but hugely impacting scene. Aside from inviting Jesus and the disciples into her home she pretty much botches the whole evening. I can relate. I too am a Martha. And, if it had been me that day I likely would have worried about what to feed the Savior seated in my living room. And, I might have been both jealous and frustrated with my sister who was sitting casually at His feet while I did all the work. After all it’s not like she could order take out and it’s not like the bread would bake itself. But, we are talking about Jesus…. you know, the One who turned the water into wine, served the 5000 and healed the sick. Dinner should have been the least of Martha’s concerns; she had the once in a life time opportunity to sit at the feet of Jesus and she blew it big time.

These 5 verses have each one of us girls asking the all important and slightly annoying question...

“Am I a Martha or a Mary?”

A quick examination of our lives reveals the truth. I confess, just like Martha I sometimes miss my opportunity to sit at His feet. I am tackling the urgent from sunrise to sunset. I’ve mastered the pray-as-you-go method and I often get my most intimate time with Him right here in front of the computer. I read online devotions and when I write I hear Him speaking directly into my heart. While this is all good and wonderful, I sense conviction because I know that I am squeezing Him in wherever I can instead of carving out daily time to just sit alone in His presence.

We Martha’s must be cautious. We have to be intentional. To Stop. To Seek Him in the quiet and on our knees. Or we’ll miss it. Miss what you ask?

Pure peace for our worldly journey.

Recognizing Him working in our lives.

Deeper insight into His Holy Word.

A much sweeter intimacy with Him.

Ultimately, we miss His best when we don’t give Him our best. Jesus made it clear when He said “There is only One thing worth being concerned about” Let’s invite a little Mary into our lives and discover it for ourselves.