Sunday, May 16, 2010

Two Women - Two Scenarios

There's a story in the Bible about two interesting women representing two very interesting scenarios.  It's the one about Mary and Martha, the sisters of Lazarus.  If you remember, Lazarus is the one Jesus raised from the dead...right out of the tomb!  Jesus pays a visit to Lazarus, Mary, and Martha.  Along with Jesus come His followers.  It's a very special event for the trio I'm sure.

Jesus arrived, along with His entourage and began to teach the folks in the living room.  Mary sat at His feet listening and gleaning along with His followers, while Martha labored rigorously in the kitchen to make the event perfect.  After awhile Martha interrupts Jesus and says, "Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me.!"  Jesus responds by saying, "Martha, Martha!  You are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her."  (Luke 10)  

This incident shows us two different scenarios.  Most of us are involved in one or the other.  Here is scenario number one:  Martha.  I think it is interesting the Jesus identifies something about Martha you may have to look a little closer to see.  He said to Martha, "You are worried and bothered about so many things..."  It wasn't just the meal Martha was bothered over.  (That was perhaps the last straw  that caused her to interrupt the Creator while He was teaching.)  But Martha was worried and bothered about so many things.  Jesus identified a way of life for Martha.  It wasn't just the meal...it was her lifestyle.  Perhaps it took this mild rebuke from Jesus that caused her to see the truth!  Then there is scenario number two:  Mary.  Mary was seated at the feet of Jesus...taking it all in.  As a matter of fact, the meal was not even important to Mary as she gleaned from Jesus' life-changing teaching.  Mary wasn't worried at all because she had a peace that was grounded in the Words of the Teacher.  Mary was so enthralled she didn't even care that it was improper for her (a woman) to be in the room with men...being taught by a man who was not her husband.  She sat there taking it all in...having her life blessed and changed.

Let me ask you.  Which scenario are you; number one or number two?  Just asking.  Are you worried and bothered by so many things like Martha?  Are you trying to handle life the best way YOU know how to...on your own?  Or are you scenario number two like Mary?  Do you make the time to sit at His feet in regular worship, prayer, and feeding on His Word?  Many can testify of the life-changes that occur when they sit at the feet of Jesus!  And just like being worried and bothered over so many things can be a lifestyle...sitting at Jesus' feet must become and stay a lifestyle.  The result will be scenario number two for you: a life of peace along with the ability to focus on what really matters, that which is good and necessary.  What do you think?

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