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 (NLT)
Dear Lord Jesus, first of all, thank you for being so welcoming and desirous of our fellowship. Not only do we have access to your throne of grace 24/7, it’s you who greets us there. We’re never a bother, are never “put on hold,” never have to “take a number and wait.” We’ll never meet a tired and frustrated you, because you’re always the Bridegroom who delights in and rejoices over his Bride. Hallelujah, we cry, many times over.
We’re the ones who get tired and frustrated. We live in a “Martha” world of many distractions, never-ending demands, and over-stimulation. Lord Jesus, help us—help me cultivate a Mary heart in a Martha world. My problem isn’t the world I inhabit, but the heart that inhabits me. I make King David’s prayer mine, “Give me an undivided heart that I may live in awe of your name”, Jesus (Ps. 86:11). You are the “one thing worth being concerned about”; you are the “one thing” that will never be taken from us.
My “must get done list” isn’t going to change; but as you refresh and deepen my communion with you, I’m certain I can live with a quieter, gentler, kinder heart. By the compelling wonder of your beauty, and the relentless power of grace, I trust you for that work in my heart. In the gospel, I hear you say, “Come away, my beloved, my desire is for you.” To which I respond, gladly, Lord Jesus. So very Amen I pray, in your compassionate and welcoming name.
