Good v/s Better

Dream Team Staff

Steve Blair

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Amy Leigh Bamberg

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Amy Jones

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Most of us are familiar with the story of Jesus’ visit to the home of Martha and Mary (Luke 10:38-42). This passage is not a contrast between good and bad, but a contrast between good and better.

Jesus loved Martha immensely – but her joy was sacrificed on the altar of self-appointed service. Martha opened her home. Had she not invited Jesus in, prepared the food and house, this entire story would never have been a reality. It was Martha’s hospitality and heart for making others comfortable and welcome in her home that brought Jesus in.

Lazarus was the “head” of the house, Mary was the “heart” of the house, but Martha was the “hands” of the house. Martha simply did not understand that Christ wanted her heart more than He wanted her home. He longed for vulnerability and intimacy.

Notice Mary is seated at the feet of Jesus, listening. Martha did not refuse to listen – she was simply distracted. She was more concerned with the preparations, the traditions they must follow, and the standards they must keep. Understand that the preparations she made were not frivolous. They were important! Martha served Christ appropriately and enhanced the atmosphere in which He taught. The issue is that her preparations never ended. She continued all her duties while Christ was there to be with her. She missed the opportunity to rest at Christ’s feet and listen. 

Sometimes ministry is the biggest distraction in our pursuit of intimacy with God. Ironically, Martha’s service to God kept her from hearing from the heart of God.  If only Martha had fully grasped that her worth came from Christ Himself, not what she did for Him! If only Martha had been focused on Christ, not on culture! Her well-intended work was a distraction from true, life-giving intimacy with Jesus. As a result, she missed a chance to let Him lavish her with His rich love.

She never paused to abide in His love, so in her busy-ness she grew anxious, andultimately distanced. Martha actually asked Christ, “Don’t you care?” 

Christ’s love never changes! Never! But, our sense of his love can change with our awareness of His presence. Martha was not in the presence of Jesus, but near it. And, near it doesn’t cut it.

Many things are important, but only one thing is necessary. In our fight for right priorities, many things vie for our attention. Christ is not asking us to neglect our family or our ministry or our rest. He is, however, asking us to place Him as top priority. Ultimately, our relationship with Christ is the only thing we cannot do without. 

Points to ponder:
What preoccupations and obligations keep you anxious…upset…distracted?
What preparations can be made that will allow you to invite and fully enjoy God’s presence?