Delighting In The Presence Of Jesus

 By: Paula Short

"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." – Luke 10:38-39 NLT.

While Mary sat, Martha stewed. She tramped and stomped around the kitchen, gathering the ingredients for the magnificent feast she was preparing.

Muttering and grumbling under her breath. How was it that no one could see what was happening, she thought? She was being overlooked. It just wasn't fair!

So, Martha, full of self-righteous anger, went over to where Jesus was reclining in a chair; 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." — Luke 10:40 NLT.

Jesus was not angered by her little outburst, and the look he gave her was filled with compassion. "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 10:41-42 NLT.

Mary and Martha both loved Jesus. On this occasion, they were both serving him. But Martha thought Mary's style of serving him was inferior to hers. She didn't realize that she was neglecting her guest in her desire to serve. 

We must remember not to let our service become self-serving. Jesus didn't blame Martha for being preoccupied with household chores. He was only asking her to take a look at her priorities and letting her know that sometimes there's a need to change them accordingly. Service to Christ can degenerate into busywork that is no longer full of devotion to God.

Martha was doing a good thing, but she was doing it for the wrong reasons. While Martha wanted to create the perfect dinner. Mary chose to take in the presence of Jesus rather than the perfection of a gathering.

Can you relate? Are you so busy doing things for Jesus that you're not spending any time with him? Have you ever focused on your to-do list instead of absorbing the presence of Jesus? 

God, when I'm inclined to rush around, help me remember to pause and reflect in the presence of Jesus. I want to focus on and embrace the important before focusing on the urgent. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Photo by Luca Vianello on Unsplash