| Martha, Martha you are anxious and troubled by many things but Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her. Luke 10:41-2
The good is the enemy of the best (Oswald Chambers). Would
you agree that Mary made the right choice? That Martha made the
wrong choice? That Jesus did not grant Martha’s request because,
she, Martha made the wrong choice and only Mary what was needful?
Jesus said by your words you will be justified and by your words you
will be condemned. There are many good things in the world. Bright sunny day in July on Saturday, I will go fishing. I will go to the beach. Take my boat out. Christmas is coming. I have to go visit the kids. I have to make that big dinner. Sunday is here. I have to flip those burgers, family is coming over. Good choices. When have you ever said, “Jesus, it’s a beautiful day or I love my kids but I will make the choice to sit at your feet today?” When have you made the Mary choice over the Martha choice? If you love mother or father, husband or wife, sister or brother, your children and even your own life more than me, you are not worthy of me. How many Mary’s are there in the church? How many people in the church are like Martha, troubled and anxious, and make the wrong choice and do not get their request granted? The church preaches Jesus but lives only in the good. It observes days, and weeks and years, holidays and rituals. St. Paul says I stand in doubt of you. Have I labored in vain? Having began in the Spirit are you now justified by the Law? A king prepared a supper. Bid them come. One said I just got married bid me excused. One said I have to take care of my oxen bid me excused. One said I have to take care of my land bid me excused. They are all good excuses. The king will say they will not have my supper. Go out in to the highways and bid them come. None of those that were bidden will sit at my table. Because they chose the good, they will not receive the best. Jesus said, there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Jesus said, haven’t I prophesied in thy name did many signs and wonders? And he will say to them depart from me I never knew you. If you have never made the Mary choice, he may just say that to you! Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all else will be given you. Paraphrased, seek the best first over all that is good, and then I will give you the good. We all know the scripture yet who does it? God woke me up the other morning and said, “I will not forsake them in their weakness.” Right the ship! Begin to live in the Truth. The Judge is standing at the door! Amen |