This morning in my quiet time as I sat with the Lord with my heart racing and a list in front of me to get done before Christmas, I heard the whisper of my Shepherd’s voice:
Joanne you are distracted by so many things. Do not forget the one important thing; stay close to me.
As I listened, I recalled the scripture in the gospel of Luke:
Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part which will not be taken from her. (Luke 10:41-42)
When Jesus came to Bethany, Martha was showing him hospitality. She greeted him and began preparing a meal for him. Her sister sat at His feet listening to His words. Commentaries have so much to say about this passage. Was Jesus scolding Martha for her hard work? Was He choosing favorites? In my opinion, Jesus who loved them both dearly, was reminding us that when we focus on Him, everything else will fall into place. We won’t need to feel burdened or complain.
I am sharing my devotional time with you the morning of December 15th, and as I sat with my list of “to do” I was horrified at how anxious and distracted I had become and how unimportant my list had become. As I sat with Jesus, I recognized that He was gently reminding me that the gifts I was buying, the cookies I was baking, and the parties I was attending were not the issue; the issue was my heart. Yes, I was distracted and I was just like Martha who complained about her sister sitting at the feet of Jesus while she was working so hard.
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.”
The Lord uncovered my heart as I thought about these two sisters. I was Martha complaining and worrying, and Mary was sitting at the feet of Jesus. Jesus loved them both, but he wanted to explain priority; that when we seek Him first all the things on our hectic plate take a back seat. We receive His love, and from that position, we give to others. The state I was in was trying to do for others without being filled up with HIM.
Friends, I do not know where you are in your heart during this advent season. What I do know is that it’s time for all of us to stop; to hear the sound of Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:33:
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all of these things will be added to you.
His arms are open.
Joanne
