The Pilgrim Path---Luke 10: 38 – 42

Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone?” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”

“…DISTRACTED WITH MUCH SERVING”

It was my privilege to talk with the Youth about this text---just before the Yard Sale prep last week. Famous passage. Ongoing struggle. The Savior loved to spend time in Bethany. They loved having him come. Here we are reminded of analytical, industrious (critical) Martha wanting to get everything right. She figures that correcting Jesus---for not correcting her sister---is in order. Think about that? I remember a few more modern commentators asking, “If you could go back in a time machine---would you help Martha with a special dip / casserole? Or would you sit at Jesus’ feet?” The opportunity was a rare and special one. You hurry to the feet of the Master. You learn the lessons of The Kingdom. The Lord Jesus tells Martha that her sister had made the better choice. This was the time to serve light fare---and spend more valuable time with the Shepherd of Souls. I always appreciated Spurgeon’s comments: a grain of love is more significant than showy service. We need to work---but we need to get our soul full first…

My buddy Dr. Ralph Davis tells us that seven or eight minutes--- serious reflection over a biblical text---may be a tremendous beginning at soul nourishment. We ask the LORD Jesus to help us humbly hear and obey the Word. We say with Hudson Taylor, “Lord---I place myself at your disposal today.” We make some soul-effort---to see to it, that His will---becomes our will.

From Jack Miller: You are loved by him, and you can give to others out of that security. Don’t waste time on regrets about the past or fears about the future. If you do well, don’t gloat. If you make a mistake, don’t give up. With Jesus you can navigate this river with joy and see it all as a grand adventure.

Grace & Peace in Jesus, The Only Redeemer of broken and wretched souls, Pastor Jason