Do you remember the story of the sisters, Mary and Martha? Company was coming to their home, including Jesus! Oh my. I don’t know if hospitality is your gift, but it is not mine. I would love to be the one sitting in a corner, talking to one person, hoping someone else is handling the cooking and cleaning. Fretting over company comes naturally to me.
Mary sat at the feet of Jesus, worshipping, listening, just wanting to be near Him and spend time with Him. Her sister, Martha? She was doing all of the preparing, all of the work. Busy, busy, busy. Cooking, cleaning, slaving away all by herself. Well, you can imagine her emotions. I would feel the same way.
Here is the conversation between Martha and Jesus.
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 over 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.” Luke 10:40-42
Jesus understood what needed to be done. He wants to be first, before all of “what we have to do.” Hospitality is a vital gift in the body of Christ. Welcoming, feeding, comforting, opening our homes and churches are necessary and wonderful. But Christ reminds Martha of the first thing. Spending time with Him is most needed.
Jesus, may be repeating your name, reminding you. Are you too busy with many things? Have you moved Jesus away from being the “better choice?”
Lord,
Keep us from becoming too busy with everything else. We long to sit at Your feet and listen and spend time with You and Your word. Help us to find the time, placing You first in our busy lives.
In Jesus name,
Amen
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