As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But 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!” “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42
Jesus, call me Martha. As this day begins I’m distracted by a number of “preparations,” and there are many things that are worrisome and upsetting going on all around me. So rather than trying to figure everything out on my own, and before I start blaming anybody, I’ll choose the better way and come to you.
It’s always a joy to sit at your feet, Jesus. You’re always so welcoming, patient and kind. I rob my heart… really, I commit grand larceny… when I get so busy doing things for you that my time with you suffers a slow but sure attrition. It’s never okay when I start taking for granted the intimacy I share with you in the gospel. It’s never okay when I invest more energy in defending the gospel than enjoying the delights of the gospel. It’s never okay when my relationship with you starts to feel more like a busy distant partnership than a healthy caring marriage.
So as I sit at your feet this morning, with palms up, I want to do two things. I want to bless you for being such a wonderful, merciful Savior. You pursue me relentlessly, Jesus. You’ve made it overwhelming clear… your desire is for me and your banner over me is love. As surely as you enjoyed Mary’s communion, so you seek the same with me. I lift my hands in praise and adoration, for your love is better than life, Jesus. Knowing you doesn’t just give me eternal life, it is eternal life.
And with my palms turned heavenward, I acknowledge and release several burdens to you… the worrisome and upsetting things that are keeping me in such a distracted state. Jesus, I cannot and should not run from certain things, but neither can I carry them alone. Jesus, please show me clearly… what am I responsible for? Help me to “man up” by falling down before you in repentant faith and expectant hope. I’ll not run from anything you tell me to do, because anywhere you send me, you will be there.
Free me from the weight of things over which I have no control or power. Make very clear to me what those things are, Jesus. It gets confusing. And as you lift the weight off my heart, help me wait patiently for you. Help me be still… very still… and know that you are God.
Though I feel completely free from the condemning voice of the law, the shaming voice of the devil knows when and where I am most vulnerable. Drown out his voice by the power of the gospel, Jesus. Shout him down by singing to me of the unsearchable riches of your grace. Mute him with your multiplied mercies. So very Amen, I pray, in your holy and loving name.
