(Luke 10:38-42) “As
Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman
named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at
the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the
preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you
care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many
things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is
better, and it will not be taken away from her.””
I am certain you are familiar with this story. Both of these
women loved Jesus. The distinction was
what they chose to do when faced with the good and the best. Preparing the meal was a good thing – food has
a practical importance. Sitting at Jesus’
feet and listening to words of Life – that has an eternal importance. I suspect that Martha was so consumed with
the practical that she was prepared to forego the most important with good intention. But she missed it. She thought she was being responsible - she was, but she was missing an eternal
opportunity. Like the time that the
disciples wanted Jesus to eat. (John 4:31-33) “Meanwhile his disciples
urged him, “Rabbi, eat something.” But he said to them, “I have food to eat
that you know nothing about.” Then his disciples said to each other, “Could
someone have brought him food?””
Concern about the natural often interferes with the
super-natural. It requires faith to see
past the urgency of the things of this world and embrace things spiritual. Someone called me a few weeks ago. He told me that he had retired early, but
could not access his retirement until he met a certain age. He believed he was called to ministry. A mutual
friend suggested that he call me about working with me for a few weeks. He had construction skills so I told him that
I would pay him instead of hiring someone locally to do the work I could not do
myself. He told me that he would let me
know by the weekend. He told me that he
had been called to pastor a small church and would not be coming. A few days ago, he asked me if the option was
still open – all of his plans had fallen through. He added that his wife told him that he should
have some here. I had already hired
local people. The work was done – the funds were spent. (I never hold up helping the home owner [the
reason we are here] in favor of waiting on someone to decide if they might come.) I was saddened because I felt that he had
missed God in his indecisiveness.
Choosing the good over the best.
Like Martha – this guy was trying to be practical. God presented a spiritual opportunity – not to
be with me – but to exercise faith and trust Him and not the things of this world. When God calls you – it requires faith in Him
– not money in the bank – not a more convenient time – not once the kids are
out of college – although that may be God’s timing – but no matter – when He
calls – a decision in the heart is required.
God does not need to hear empty promises – God knows the heart. Those promises just make it easier to cook
the food and not sit at Jesus feet.
So – what has God been saying to you? And what have you been
saying to God? God’s call is not the same
for everyone in terms of geography or activity.
But it is the same insomuch as (love that word!) it will require faith
and devotion to respond to the call.
When we were serving in Mississippi, someone asked me if I
liked being in Mississippi. It was a
place of devastation and despair. I told
them “There is nothing better than being in the center of God’s will for your
life – geography has nothing to do with it. So I lovd being in Mississippi because
that is where God wants us to be.” How about you? CHARLEY
(Phil 4:13)
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