There is a wonderful little story in Luke 10:38-42 about Jesus visiting the home of two sisters, Martha and Mary. Martha tends to every need, cleaning, cooking and greeting guests. She is “distracted by all the preparations that had to be made.” Mary made a different choice. She “sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what He said.” This story is just a few words, but it gives us much to think about.
There are many Marthas in the world. People like Martha are driven by responsibility; they can’t sit still if things there’s a job to be done. I am often like Martha. I like things neat and orderly. I can’t relax at home until the dishes are done and the kid’s toys put away.
There’s nothing wrong with being responsible and working hard, but that’s not the point of the story. See, Martha and Mary had to make a choice. Would they clean the house, make the dinner, tend to all the various household needs or would they sit at Jesus’ feet and listen to His wisdom. Mary made the better choice. She chose to cherish those few wonderful moments with Jesus.
So, here’s the challenge for each of us. Don’t get too busy, too distracted by the cares and needs of life that you don’t also take time to sit with Jesus. We need quiet moments to read His word, pray and worship. We need to make space to simply sit in His wonderful presence and feel His love.
