Here is a devo that really changed the way I look at things. We have all heard this story many times, but have we ever really stopped and thought about what it means? Check out this devotional and others at Karisma Ministries.
" As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. 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 about many things, but only one thing is needed (necessary). Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." - Luke 10:38-42
Mary chose the most important and necessary thing: to gaze upon, and listen to the words of the Lord in great expectation. Sitting at a person's feet in that day meant that you were a disciple of that individual. We as Christians can learn a lot from Mary. She lived in a society that looked down on women completely and yet she took it upon herself and assumed that Jesus accepted her as his own disciple even in the midst of judgmental people, including her sister.
Martha, Mary's sister, is upset and very distracted. To her it is more important to prepare everything and have it all in order rather than listening attentively to what the Lord has to say. How well does Mary portray the majority of people in the Body of Christ today? One thing is important. One thing is needed. One thing is necessary. Only one thing deserves our full attention and concern. David understood that one thing very well.
"One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek Him in His temple." - Psalm 27:4
Though Mary and David both lived in a world of opposition, they understand the one thing. They sought (with great expectation), gazed, and contemplated with great pleasure the goodness of the Lord. Things are not as hard as we make them. Why was Martha worried? Would the work not get done? Sure, it would have, but her faith was lacking. She did not understand: the King of Peace was in her home. What is the true reason for worry then? The reason is only foolish ignorance due to the lack of true consideration: "Jesus is here! Why should I be worried about anything?"
Realize one thing is to be desired- to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord, to know Him deeply and intimately, to be illumined by the light of His presence. The world and your worry have absolutely nothing to offer you that can even begin to compare to the richness of the taste of His Majestic Glory. Mary was accepted at the feet of Jesus and He made it very clear that she had made the perfect choice, which was not going to be taken away from her.
Grace and peace be with all who truly seek the Lord, Jesus Christ with an undying love. Now, unto the King, eternal, immortal, invisible, the Only Wise God be glory and honor, both now and forever. Amen.
~ Lance with Karisma ~
