This is Part 2 of M & M. Part 1 looked into the personalities of Mary and Martha as described in Luke 10:38 – 42, with Martha the busy body, who wanted to impress Jesus and Mary taking the wise option to rest at Jesus’ feet and take in what He had to offer spiritually. Part 2 will look at how we relate to the personalities of Mary and Martha. If you missed Part 1, please click here!
Reflecting on the personalities of Mary and Martha, I realised that to be called a Martha could be both a compliment but also a warning. You see, both Mary and Martha were occupied with Jesus, but Mary received wisdom as she sat at His feet listening.
What do we learn from the story of Mary and Martha? Are our lives so full, that we don’t even see Jesus anymore? We go about life, a constant rush to get everything done and forget to live life. Yes, life is demanding, but if we don’t get the balance right, we will destroy ourselves. The busier we get, the lesser the time we have to become quiet before God. Think about it. How much time do you spend with Jesus, getting to know Him better, hearing His advice? Remember, it is more than just going to church or attending a prayer group every now and then. I’m talking about getting to know Him deeply.
Getting to know Jesus on a deeper level can be achieved by spending quality time with Him, just like Mary did, whilst sitting at His feet. What does that mean? For me, it is spending time in nature, feeling His presence in what He created. It is also through reading and studying His Word, the Bible, for His Word is His heart and tells us all about what was, is and what will come. Praise and worship are also key in spending time in the presence of God, allowing the Holy Spirit to move. Yes, it takes effort, but if we can put effort into other things, we can put effort into spending time with Jesus. Does the Word of God not say in Matthew 6:33, to seek first His Kingdom and righteousness and then the rest will be added to us?
I understand that life is a rat race, but it is also a choice. Getting up early if you are an early bird is an excellent time to spend with Jesus. If you are a night owl like me, then that can be a special time with Him. You see, it is when we are alone with Him that we hear Him, feel Him, see Him, in ways we have never done before. He is so hungry for us to be in a relationship with Him and it says in Jeremiah 29:12 – 14: then you will call on Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord. It also says in Jeremiah 33:3: Call to Me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”
Off course not all the conversations result in us feeling good. Sometimes God speaks loudly to us by giving a warning or clear guidance on what to step away from. Other times. He wants to guide us in how to take action and avoid getting hurt. These conversations might not be pleasant, but as a Father, He knows best, and we need to trust Him. Remember, no dad just always praises his children, as he also has a responsibility to reprimand and direct his children in the right way to go.
I read all the above and I think to myself, I am a bit of both Mary and Martha. I love spending time with Jesus in His Word and in prayer, but I am also a Martha, forever running around making plans to keep everyone, including myself, happy.
Have you come to any conclusion yet on which of the two you are like?
Part 3 will look more into deepening our relationship with Jesus. Please make sure to follow these articles which ultimately will end in an e-book.
Love in Christ
Princess K