PROFILES —-
MARTHA
THE CENTERPIECE OF PEACE
How will all the work get done? Martha, the sister of Mary and Lazarus, knew of only one answer to this question. Martha worked hard to make sure every detail was handled and every job was done so that everybody was taken care of. This all changed the day she encountered Jesus. He challenged her to see beyond the work that needed to be done and understand that although details are important, the most important thing was right in front of her—and that was Him. Jesus wanted to teach Martha that while there is nothing wrong with work or details, sometimes the most important work to do is simply to rest and enjoy His presence.
THINK & PRAY
WHAT CONCERNS YOU?
In an age when time seems to only get faster and there is always work to be done, slowing down and observing what’s around you can be very difficult to do. This was Jesus’ challenge to Martha. Yes, the reality of what needs to be done might be important, but what is even more important is the work God is doing. Realize that. Believe that. Trust in that. In Luke 10:42, Jesus told Martha, “There is only one thing worth being concerned about.” That one thing is Him—His words being spoken, and His work being done. And while the Lord’s work often calls for us to work with Him, other times it asks us to stop, rest, and observe what He is doing.
Are you stopping, resting, listening, and observing what God may be up to in your life? Or are you working so much, doing so much, and distracted and connected so much that everything seems like a blur? Read Martha’s story in Luke 10 and see if you identify with this. In our last picture of Martha in John 12, she is once again serving a meal to Jesus and His disciples. She had not stopped serving. But the Bible records silence from her this time. Maybe she had begun to learn what her sister, Mary, already knew—that worship begins with silence and listening.