“…she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word.” – Luke 10:39 (NKJV)
Luke 10:38-42 gives the account where Martha welcomed Jesus into her house. Wanting to be a good host, like most of us, Martha became distracted with serving. It is not that her service was wrong, but its distraction was a negative trade-off, costing her valuable time at the feet of Jesus.
Like Martha, many times, we too get busy doing things in service to God that we end up spending little or no time at Jesus’ feet. I recall when I struggled with this. I was passionate about doing many things for God. Many of which were time-consuming and sapped my energy to the point where I spent only a little time at Jesus’ feet (meditating on His Word). Further, I felt the pressure of people’s dependence on me. Not wanting to disappoint Jesus or anyone else, I eventually became physically, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually drained.
Subsequently, I realised that that kind of service was not beneficial at all. But thank God for His faithfulness and mercy that led to a realignment of my focus. Instead of being worried and troubled about many tasks, I chose “that good part” which I will not let be taken away from me. Like Mary, I decided to sit at Jesus’ feet and hear His Word – I decided my priority. Service has since been refreshing and joyful.
Brothers and sisters, many times we want to serve the Lord, but we do not understand what the Lord Jesus requires of us. Spending time at Jesus’ feet (reading, meditating, listening, obeying) is the top priority. It is that good part which will not be taken away from us. As we sit at Jesus’ feet, we have the opportunity to indulge in His Word. Our service now would then be based on the word we hear and the release we receive from listening.
May God help us as we learn to listen.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, draw us closer to spend time at Your feet, daily hearing Your Word. Do what only You can do in our lives as we sit at Your feet, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Read: Matthew 17:5; John 10:27
Bible Reading Guide: Matthew 4:23-25; Matthew 5:1-20; Genesis 9:18-29; Genesis 10; Genesis 11:1-9