The Better Thing

Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word. ~Psalm 119:37

I love the story of Mary and Martha found in Luke 10:38-42.  In this passage we see where Martha had opened up her home up to Jesus and His disciples.  Her sister Mary is sitting at the feet of Jesus taking in everything He is saying, while Martha is busy with all of the preparations.  I can imagine all of thoughts going through Martha’s head as she runs around trying to get get things in order for her guests.  I can imagine the uncomfortable annoyance and possible resentment she might feel as she is scampering around, while her sister Mary appears to be just loading around.  Yet, scriptures denotes Martha as being distracted ( Luke 10:40).  So when she comes to Jesus with her complaint about her sister He lets her know that Mary has chosen the better thing.  Mary has chosen the one thing that we need, Jesus.  Jesus who is the truth, way and the life (John 14:6) and Jesus who is the Word (John 1:1) 

Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one.] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” -Luke 10:41-42

When I was younger, I sides with Martha.  I saw her as doing the work. I understood her frustration with her sister Mary and I expected a different response from the Lord.  But by God’s grace the revelation of this Word has been revealed to me.  I know understand that there are a multitude of things that might seek to grab my attention. Some might be good things and well intentioned, but the “work” is not in the doing.  The work, the better thing, is sitting at His feet listening to all that He has to say.  The better thing is focusing on Jesus and His word.

There are so many things that clamor for our attention.  So many distractions that enemy wants us to focus on; worthless things like comparison games, gossip, strife, bitterness the tensions in our land and even worry.   It is a natural instinct to worry, but God has told us not to.  We have no need because we have Him as our God.  If we stay focused on Him, the better thing, peace will be ours (Isaiah 26:3).  May we all follow Mary’s example and God’s Word and choose the better thing-Jesus.

Lord, we love You and thank You for being the One thing that we need.  Saturate is in your love and in Your Word.  In Jesus name I pray.  Amen