Foundations Jan 11, 2011

Tuesday, January 11, 2011
BIBLE IN A YEAR: Amos 1-3 and Revelation 4

SCRIPTURE READING

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named
Martha opened her home to him.39She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet
listening to what he said. 40But 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!” 41”Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “You
are worried and upset about many things, 42but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen
what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42 NIV
 

It is unbelievable to think of who was in the home of Mary and Martha. In this story, we find
Mary seated among Jesus and His disciples (keep in mind the culture of the day – it was
not appropriate for women to be sitting and receiving from a teacher, never mind sitting with
the men). However, Mary knew who was in the house and sat at His feet with an adoring
gaze. Mary clued in right away. She would let nothing hinder her from sitting at the feet of
God. He touched her deep within, and she was greatly moved.
Martha, however, had not yet clued in to the amazing gift of His presence. God himself was
present, but she didn’t get it. Martha was unable to understand the significance of sitting
at His feet. Jesus is saying to Martha: distraction has consumed you to the point that you
are unable to see who is standing in front of you. Your eyes are blinded; you are unable to
recognize the identity of the One in your house.

PRAYER and MEDITATION

1. Martha was a believer and follower of Christ. How was she seeking to honor Jesus?
    Mary was also a believer and follower of Christ. How was she seeking to honor Jesus?
    Ask the Holy Spirit to give you deeper insight into each of these women’s heart posture
    before Jesus.
2. Ask God to reveal to you the ways you sometimes find yourself busy serving like Martha
    instead of worshiping and loving Him like Mary? Has busyness affected your closeness
    with Christ? Is your first spiritual priority loving God or serving God?
3. Write a prayer to God thanking Him for His presence and committing to spending time
    with Him. If you struggle in this area, ask Him to help you desire to be with Him.