It’s been a busy week. Doctor’s appointments, meetings, chores – the list went on and on. Sometimes I wasn’t sure whether I was coming or going. With so many things to do it was hard to know where to start. Trying to get so many things done made it feel like I wasn’t getting anything done at all.
Martha had this same problem. Jesus and the disciples were visiting and there was so much to do. Food to prepare, the table to set, dishes to be done. She was so distracted and distressed she hardly had time to think. But while Martha rushed around, “her sister, Mary sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught.” (Luke 10:39 NLT).
Frustrated, Martha complained, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.” (v. 40). But Jesus just smiled and replied, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” (vs. 41-42 NKJV).
In this busy world, with so many demands on our time and resources, it’s easy to forget there is only one thing that really matters in the long run – your relationship with Jesus. Everything else is secondary and temporary. A life lived with Jesus is the only life that never ends.
This Sabbath, don’t be a Martha, distracted by all the things you need to do. Instead, follow Mary’s example and do the one thing that really matters – come sit at Jesus’ feet.