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Luke 10:41-42 - One Thing is Needed.Luke 10:41-42 (NIV) "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."INTRODUCTION Mary and Martha both loved Jesus. On this occasion they were both serving him, but they had different ways of showing their love. Are you so busy doing things for Jesus that you're not spending any time with him? Jesus did not blame Martha for being concerned about household duties. He was only asking her to set correct priorities. Service to Jesus can degenerate into mere busywork that is totally devoid of devotion to God. [Life Application SB] COMMENTARY PEARLS Mary was storing her mind with the precious words falling from the Saviour's lips, words that were more precious to her than earth's most costly jewels. The "one thing" that Martha needed was a calm, devotional spirit, a deeper anxiety for knowledge concerning the future, immortal life, and the graces necessary for spiritual advancement. She needed less anxiety for the things which pass away, and more for those things which endure forever. Jesus would teach His children to seize every opportunity of gaining that knowledge which will make them wise unto salvation. The cause of Christ needs careful, energetic workers. There is a wide field for the Marthas, with their zeal in active religious work. But let them first sit with Mary at the feet of Jesus. Let diligence, promptness, and energy be sanctified by the grace of Christ; then the life will be an unconquerable power for good. [DA 525-526] We need more study, more earnest meditation and communion with Christ. We need to listen for the still small voice, and to rest by faith in the love of Christ. We should have a much more healthful experience, and become much more vigorous Christians. [TM 345-346] Those who are ready to do service are those who feed most on Christ. Read and study His word, drink in the inspiration of His Spirit, and receive of His grace, not to hoard, but to give to others. [TM 345-346] COMMENTARY Human Being, or Human Doing? An Amazing Fact: Hiking the entire Appalachian Trail is the equivalent elevation gain of climbing Mt. Everest 16 times. Completed in 1937, the Appalachian Trail begins in Georgia and follows the Appalachian Mountains over 2,180 miles through 14 states, ending in Maine. Benton Mackaye conceived of a trail connecting a series of farming camps along the ridges of the Appalachian Mountains, between the highest points in the north (Mt. Washington in New Hampshire) and south (Mt. Mitchell in North Carolina). He envisioned the trail as a refuge from industrialization, where people could commune with nature. Signs marking the Appalachian Trail today read, "For those who seek fellowship with the wilderness." Making time for such fellowship isn't easy in our go-go-go culture. America was founded by people who strove for more than their birthplace offered. From the pilgrims that landed at Plimoth Plantation to the immigrants that arrive today, Americans want more. And we work hard to get it. So most of us can identify with Martha (Luke 10:38-42). Busily preparing dinner for Jesus, Martha noticed her sister Mary lounging at Jesus' feet. "Lord," she demanded, "don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!" But Jesus gently reminded Martha that work must be balanced with downtime. Like us, Martha was a human "doing" - preferring to work for Jesus than just be with Him. We very easily become so consumed by what we're doing that we neglect communion with Who we're doing it for. Ellen White, a Christian author, put it this way. "We must individually hear Him speaking to the heart. When every other voice is hushed, and in quietness we wait before Him, the silence of the soul makes more distinct the voice of God." May you learn to be a human being, not a human doing. [Moving Mountains by Amazing Facts] LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY Luke 10:41-42 - One Thing is Needed. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2023/20230530-1039.html http://www.abible.com/devotions/2022/20221028-0852.html https://www.abible.com/devotions/2016/20160514-2135.html LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT https://abible.com/links/ |